Bazm-e-Sahafat: Kiren Rijiju Says Urdu Belongs To India’s Cultural Heritage

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju attended the third national Urdu conclave, ‘Bazm-e-Sahafat’. Bharat Express organised the event at the India International Centre in Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, Rijiju said Urdu does not belong to any particular religion or community. He described it as a language born from Indian soil and a prominent symbol of the country’s Ganga-Jamuni cultural heritage.

Rijiju rejected claims linking Urdu with Pakistan. He said Partition moved people across the border, but Urdu originated in India. The language itself originated on Indian soil and remains distinctly Hindustani, he said.

Calling Urdu a ‘rich language’, Rijiju said it should not remain confined to elite circles. He urged people to embrace Urdu as a language of ordinary citizens, not just royal courts, poets or highly educated communities.

The Minister highlighted Urdu’s contribution to Indian cinema and music.

Rijiju cited legendary figures such as Sahir Ludhianvi and Naushad, saying he preferred older songs for their beautiful use of Urdu vocabulary. He added that Indian cinema could not have produced such timeless melodies without Urdu.

Rijiju stressed the need to connect younger generations with Urdu. He said young people increasingly spend time on Instagram and social media.

“If you want to fall in love, you must learn Urdu,” he said. He added that Urdu can deepen the expression of love and affection.

Rijiju described Urdu as an international language. He noted that several Urdu words have blended with Arabic across Gulf countries and Saudi Arabia.

At the conclusion, Rijiju prayed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long life and strength to fulfil the vision of a developed India by 2047. He assured all possible support for the development of Urdu.

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