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Urdu Akademi sees growing interest among non-Muslims

Alok Srivastava, media coordinator at Urdu Akademi, said, “The diversity of students, from working professionals to retired government officials, is a striking feature of our courses. Urdu Drama, RJ (Radio Jockeying) in Urdu, and Kitabat (Urdu Language) courses are particularly popular among Hindu participants.”

Updated on: Nov 14, 2024, 06:16:15 IST
By , Lucknow
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At the renowned Urdu Akademi, non-Muslims are increasingly enrolling in Urdu courses, challenging the stereotype that the language is predominantly associated with the Muslim community. Professionals, government officials, youth, and women are among the growing number of participants eager to master various aspects of the Urdu language.

The rising interest in these courses reflects the language’s appeal across religious and cultural boundaries (File photo)
The rising interest in these courses reflects the language’s appeal across religious and cultural boundaries (File photo)

Alok Srivastava, media coordinator at Urdu Akademi, said, “The diversity of students, from working professionals to retired government officials, is a striking feature of our courses. Urdu Drama, RJ (Radio Jockeying) in Urdu, and Kitabat (Urdu Language) courses are particularly popular among Hindu participants.”

The rising interest in these courses reflects the language’s appeal across religious and cultural boundaries. Many students see Urdu as a valuable asset for career growth, with improved pronunciation and diction being key benefits.

In the Urdu drama course, out of 40 students, only two are Muslim, with the rest coming from various communities. “We have students eager to explore the art of drama in Urdu,” said Shah Alam, a teacher at the Akademi. The Kitabat course, offering a year-long study of Urdu, also boasts a diverse enrollment, with 14 women among the 28 students. Many are retired government officials keen on enhancing their language skills.

Additional secretary of Urdu Akademi, Shoukat Ali, added, “We are continuously working to offer more relevant courses in the future, ensuring greater accessibility for all.”

  • Anupam Srivastava
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Anupam Srivastava

    Anupam Srivastava is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Lucknow, with over 26 years of experience in journalism. A widely travelled reporter, he is known for producing impactful exclusives, investigative reports, and in-depth analyses across environment, science, healthcare, women's issues, human-interest stories, civil aviation, surface and inland water transport, agriculture, urban and rural development, governance, public policy, politics, culture, music, and literature. Recognised for his meticulous research and evidence-based reporting, he has consistently highlighted issues that directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens, exposing governance gaps, policy failures, and environmental concerns while amplifying the voices of underserved communities. His reporting has influenced public discourse and contributed to administrative action and policy interventions, including the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to accord river status to the Kukrail instead of a drain after his reportage brought the issue into focus. His commitment to public-interest journalism has earned him prestigious awards for excellence in reporting on environment, science, literature, and culture. Combining investigative journalism, data-driven analysis, and compelling storytelling, Anupam Srivastava continues to produce journalism that informs, influences, and promotes accountability, firmly upholding the values of an independent and responsible press.Read More