Urdu Language and Literature

              JMI’s APDUMT and NCPUL jointly organizes National Seminar on Teaching of

                         Urdu   Language and Literature

New Delhi: The Academy of Professional Development of Urdu Medium Teachers (APDUMT), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), New Delhi,  jointly organised a one-day national seminar titled “Teaching of Urdu Language and Literature: Problems and New Teaching Methodology at Primary, Secondary, and Senior Secondary Level”. The inaugural session of the seminar was conducted at the FTK-CIT, Conference Hall, on December 18, 2024.  The event brought together renowned academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across the country to deliberate on issues and concerns of Urdu language teaching- learning and education through Urdu medium. The event highlighted the importance of promoting Urdu as a language and as a medium of instruction.

The inaugural session of the seminar commenced with a warm welcome of the guests by Dr. A. Wahid Nazeer, the organising secretary of the seminar. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor, JMI.  In his welcome address Dr. Kalimullah from NCPUL, highlighted the significance of the seminar and emphasized the importance of the mother tongue.

During the session, two significant books were released by the panel of guests. One titled as Peshname written by Dr. A. Wahid Nazeer and second book titled as “New Trends in Pedagogy: NEP 2020 Prospects and Challenges”, edited by Prof. Jasim Ahmad, Prof. Roohi Fatima, Dr. Aerum Khan, and Dr. Ansar Ahmad. The release ceremony added a moment of pride and celebration to the event.

In his address, Vice Chancellor of JMI, Prof. Mazhar Asif, referred to the linguistic diversity of India along with a mention of sociolinguistic awareness and cross-cultural communication.

Prof. Jasim Ahmad, Director, APDUMT, emphasized the role of teachers in students’ lives along with a focus on the promotion of Urdu language. He also underlined the need for continuous professional development of teachers to meet the current needs of the learners and said that a good teacher must be a good researcher as well.

In his keynote address, Dr. Md. Faruq Ansari, Head, DEL, NCERT, provided an insightful overview of the topic, emphasizing the relevance of mother tongue in today’s academic and professional landscapes.  Prof. Sara Begum, Dean, Faculty of Education, mentioned the importance of the language in the holistic development of students. The inaugural session was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hina Afreen, Asst. Professor, APDUMT, JMI.

The seminar was structured into five technical sessions, each addressing various sub-themes under the main topic. The themes of the seminar were: 1. Urdu as a subject and Urdu as Medium of Instruction at different levels of School Education, 2. Higher Education & Status of Urdu Teaching-learning, 3. Digitization and Use of AI in Education-Present Status and Future Prospects, and 4. Career opportunities, challenges, and way outs for Urdu Medium Students.

Renowned experts from different universities like DU, JNU, AMU, MANUU and many more were present in the seminar. During the five technical sessions in parallel mode a total of 40 research papers were presented, followed by interactive discussions.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory session, in which discussions were summarized and the key takeaways highlighted. This session was presided over by Prof. Shahzad Anjum, Urdu Department, JMI and Prof. Shehpar Rasool, graced the valedictory session as the chief guest. Prof. Rasool, in his address discussed the literary importance of Urdu and its significance in the realm of education. Prof. Shahzad  Anjum emphasised the role of the Academy in the professional development of Urdu-medium teachers. The coordinators of the seminar, Dr. Hina Afreen, Asst. Professor, APDUMT and Dr. Naushad Alam, Translator, APDUMT, smoothly executed the event.

The best paper presentation awards were given across themes, and certificates of paper presentation were distributed to the presenters. The session ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Naushad Alam.