The three-day national seminar hosted by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Indian Languages (CIL) concluded today with a focus on the evolving role of Urdu literature in India’s future.
Dr. Shams Equbal, Director of NCPUL, highlighted the need to align literature with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, calling for an adaptive approach in Urdu literature to keep pace with the rapidly changing digital age.
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During the closing session, Dr. Equbal addressed the need for transformation in literary focus, questioning whether Urdu literature has become limited to a narrow set of issues. “In this era of scientific and technological advancement, we must change our ways of thinking and feeling.
Language and literature must be liberated from traditional constraints to connect with contemporary society,” he said. He emphasized the importance of viewing literature through the lens of societal and national contributions, especially in shaping a developed India by 2047.
Engaging with New Eras and Expanding Literary Outreach
Professor Khwaja Mohammad Ikramuddin, who also spoke at the seminar, described it as an effort to align literature with modern-day demands. He proposed cultural programs across India and urged participation from writers nationwide.
Additionally, Professor Ikramuddin suggested that the Urdu Council create a portal to compile research by M.Phil. and Ph.D. students from Indian universities, particularly emphasizing children’s literature. He expressed gratitude to the Indian government for supporting the seminar, calling it an essential initiative for modernizing Urdu literature.
The event featured contributions from notable academics, including Professor Ahmad Mahfuz, Professor Abu Bakr Abbad, and Professor Ghazanfar, who each commended the seminar’s success. Dr. Shafi Ayub moderated the closing session, ensuring smooth proceedings.
Diverse Sessions on Comparative Literature and AI
On the final day, two additional sessions explored the future intersections of literature with technology and other languages. In the fifth technical session, chaired by Professor Aslam Jamshedpuri and Dr. Khawar Naqib, speakers discussed the value of comparative literature studies across languages.
Dr. Khawar Naqib emphasized how these studies could reveal cultural insights and broaden the scope of literary analysis. Professor Jamshedpuri noted that understanding AI and technological tools is critical to progressing literature in the new century.
In the sixth session, chaired by Professor Shams Ul Huda Dariabadi and Ms. Yashka Sagar, speakers examined artificial intelligence’s impact on literary expression. Dr. Dariabadi praised the session’s research papers and offered suggestions on integrating AI insights into Urdu literature.
Students from Delhi’s major universities attended in large numbers, reflecting the growing interest among young scholars in exploring Urdu literature’s evolving role in India’s future.
The seminar’s conclusion left attendees with renewed insights into how literature can adapt to the demands of a dynamic, technologically-driven world while remaining connected to its cultural roots.
