Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, organised a Two-Day International Seminar on “Viksit Bharat and Urdu Language and Literature” on November 11 and 12, 2026, bringing together distinguished academicians, scholars, researchers and students from various institutions to deliberate on the relevance, contribution and future prospects of Urdu in the vision of a developed India.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu. Prof. Mazhar Mehdi of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, delivered the keynote address, while Prof. Zama Azurda graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his presidential address, Prof. Umesh Rai highlighted the significance of languages and literature in India's cultural heritage and emphasised the need to preserve and promote the linguistic diversity. He underlined the importance of connecting traditional literary knowledge with contemporary developments, particularly technological advancements and emerging areas of knowledge. He also stressed the need to explore wider academic and professional opportunities for Urdu so that the language remains relevant to the aspirations of the younger generation and contributes meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Zama Azurda, highlighted the rich literary and cultural legacy of Urdu and its enduring role in promoting harmony, mutual understanding, and integration. He emphasised the importance of encouraging younger generations to engage with Urdu language and literature while exploring new avenues for its growth and wider application in contemporary society.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Mazhar Mehdi of JNU, New Delhi, emphasised the need for Urdu to adapt to changing times by embracing modern technology, digital platforms and emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed that the language must move beyond its conventional literary and academic domains and establish stronger connections with contemporary knowledge systems, professional skills and employment opportunities. Highlighting its potential in translation, digital publishing, content creation, media, software development and language technology, he called for concerted efforts to make Urdu more relevant to the career aspirations of the younger generation.
Earlier, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik delivered the welcome address, wherein he welcomed the distinguished guests, academicians, scholars, researchers and participants. He highlighted the objectives and significance of the seminar and emphasised the need to explore the evolving role of Urdu language and literature in the context of Viksit Bharat.
The first academic session was presided over by Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad and Prof. Mohammad Ali Johar. Research papers were presented by Dr. Shabana Durrani, Dr. T. R. Raina and Dr. Mushtaq Haider. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Chaman Lal.
The second academic session was presided over by Prof. Mohd. Reyaz Ahmad and Prof. Altaf Anjum. Research papers were presented by Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad, Dr. Nusrat Jabeen and Dr. Jawed Ansar.
The academic deliberations explored various dimensions of Urdu language and literature in the context of Viksit Bharat, including its contribution to India's composite cultural heritage, social cohesion and national consciousness. The participants also discussed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its emphasis on multilingualism, promotion of Indian languages, inclusive education and multidisciplinary learning. They highlighted the need to strengthen Urdu education through modern pedagogical practices, digital resources, technological innovation and interdisciplinary research, while bridging the gap between language education and employment opportunities.
The researchers emphasised Urdu's potential in professional fields such as translation, journalism, broadcasting, publishing, digital media, artificial intelligence and language technology. They called for coordinated efforts by universities, educational institutions and policymakers to create opportunities that encourage younger generations to pursue Urdu studies with confidence and professional aspirations.
As part of the cultural programme, a Sham-e-Ghazal, titled “Ek Shaam Ravi Thakur Ke Naam”, was organised. The musical evening celebrated the richness of Urdu poetry and its enduring contribution to India's shared cultural and artistic traditions. The second day of the seminar, scheduled for November 12, will feature further academic deliberations, research presentations and the valedictory session.
The seminar seeks to reaffirm that Urdu is not merely a language of literary expression but also an important medium of knowledge, cultural dialogue, technological engagement and social development. Through scholarly discussions and academic exchange, the Department of Urdu aims to explore avenues through which Urdu language and literature can contribute meaningfully to the vision of an inclusive, progressive and culturally vibrant Viksit Bharat. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. Mohd. Reyaz Ahmad, while Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas presented the vote of thanks.
