Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — To promote Urdu language and to mark India’s National Education Day celebrated every year in the memory of the India’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Urdu Academy Jeddah organized a literary program at the Indian Consulate here recently.

The event, which coincided with Osmania University’s (one of the oldest and leading university of India) 100th anniversary, was attended by many eminent personalities of the Indian community along with the students from various schools.

Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh presided over the event as the special guest at the function, while Tariq Mishkhas, editor in chief of Urdu News daily, was the guest of honor.

Sheikh appreciated the efforts of the academy and praised their work in propagating the Urdu language and the Urdu ethos. He was welcomed with a floral bouquet presented by Firdous Mohammed Javeed.

Speaking at the function Sheikh said: “Whatever work has been done by the Urdu Academy is memorable, the efforts in promoting the Urdu language are commendable.”

He also appreciated the speeches delivered by different students from several schools. He added: “I encourage all community groups to have these kind of programs in future to promote Urdu language while also being helpful in creating awareness about language in children.”

He praised all academy members for organizing the event such that it coincided with Osmania University’s 100th anniversary.

While addressing the gathering Mishkhas acknowledged the academy’s work and said, “Urdu Academy’s determination in promoting Urdu language is praiseworthy.”

He also expressed his pleasure at seeing the children’s performance and lauded the academy for instilling and inculcating the love for a language in them at such a tender age.

A recorded voice message from the Urdu Academy President Syed Jamalullah Qadri was played on the occasion, as he was unable to attend the program due to health issues.

Qadri extended his gratitude to all those responsible for staging the program and to the guests for teir support in promoting Urdu. He reiterated in his message that Urdu language still exists and there are many gems in the field.

Acting President Sheikh Ibrahim said, “We have started this Academy 19 years ago with a limited access. But now it is working wholly to promote Urdu language.”

General Secretary of Academy Mohd Saleem Farooqi said, “Urdu language will not only exists in future but it is spreading rapidly all over the world. For like Urdu Academy, who aim is to promote Urdu language, others are alo doing it.”

He thanked to all the guests and participants for their efforts and support.

Syed Mohd Khalid Hussain congratulated fellow members of the academy for making the program a great success. He thanked all the sponsors and coordinators of the program.

The competitions were judged by chief judge Abdul Sami in collaboration with Syed Nasir Khursheed and a panel of judges, which comprised of Prof. Mohd Ameen Baig, Surrender Pal Singh, Dr. Shahida Aziz, Prof. Wazir Akhtar and Prof. Sheikh Firdous, while “Mushaira” poetic session was judged by Mohammed Iqbal Belan Nizamabadi, Altaf Shehriyar, Farhan Aziz and Munawwar Pasha Sahil Tamapori.

Winners of the English speech among boys were: Muhammad Hussain, first position; Rehmat Ali Khan, second position; Mohammed Rayan, third position; Mohammed Fazil, fourth position.

Winners of the Urdu speech contest among the boys were: Syed Yahya Viqaruddin, first position; Muhammad Sufyan, second position; Ihsan Syed, third position; and Abdullah Khan, fourth position.

Winners of the English speech contest among the girls were: Rida Khan, first position; Nehla Jameel, second position; Haila Shabbir, third position; and Sadaf Moin, fourth position.

Winners of the Urdu speech contest among the girls were: Ayesha Khan, first position; Sidra Shakeel, second position; Dina Razzaq, third position; and Asma Banu, fourth position.

Mohammed Aslam Afghani, conducted Parody poetry session (Tamsili Mushaira) and began with a couplet representing simplicity of the Counsel General of India.

Sadiya Amtul of IISJ won the first prize for girls who represented Lata Haya, Amina Arshad from DPS was second prize winner, for presenting one of Saba Balrampuri’s poem and Rida Khan of IISJ won the third place with a poem by Anjum Rehbar.

Asrar Hussaini of IISJ topped the boys. He presented the poetry of Fareed Anjum. Shoaib Raees of DPS won the second prize for presenting a poem by Manzar Bhopali and Hussain Khadri of DPS took third prize for presenting poetry of Rahat Indori.

All successful students received appreciation certificates and shields from the Indian consul general. An “Azad Souvenir 2017” was also launched on the occasion by the Sheikh.

Mohd Yousuf, Sami Farooqi, Munawwar Khan, Danish Hussain, Saif Qadri and Syed Shamsuddin Mustafa Qadri had worked hard to make the program successful. Mohammed Faheem compered the program and Mohammed Arshad and Shoebuddin monitored the time of speakers.

The program commenced with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur’an by Mujtaba Ali Misri followed by a Naat by Muddasir Imtiaz Uddin.