The Delhi government has reconstituted the Urdu Academy with more female members, in addition to a diverse range of people associated with the language, including scholars, media professionals, historians and social media influencers to make it “dynamic.”
‘Composite culture’
The new committee, appointed for a period of two years beginning December 1, will be chaired by well-known scholar and Jamia Millia Islamia Professor Wajeehuddin.
“Urdu is an integral part of Delhi’s cultural and literary history. It is an important marker of Delhi’s composite culture,” Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on the occasion.
“The government hopes to create an environment for Urdu that will not only ensure that the language is well-preserved but that it also advances linguistically and socially. With this dynamic general body committee we are sure to create an unprecedented impact,” he said further.
In addition to Prof Wajeehuddin, the committee will comprise Nasheet Shadani, an advertising professional whose web initiative Ishq Urdu works to connect youth to the language using pop culture references; Rana Safvi, who runs the popular blog Hazrat e Dilli about Delhi’s culture, heritage and traditions; and Kamna Prasad, an Urdu activist and founder of the Jashn e Bahar Foundation. Aparna Pande, a member of the Rekhta team, is the youngest member of the committee. Other members include film-maker Riazat Ullah Khan; teacher and social worker Irtiza Querishi; and journalist Faisal Ali.
‘Conscious effort’
“A conscious effort towards inclusivity has been made and there has been an unprecedented rise in the number of female members of the Urdu Academy. The academy will work with contemporary practitioners to improve and bring forth interesting and thought provoking content,” the government said in an official statement.
