History Of Murder Of Language

Speech by Dr. Fathima from Osmania Univesity at a conference organized by Madras University Urdu Department, Tamilnadu Urdu Academy and Anjuman-e-Himayath-e-Islam.
Published in Muslim Murasu, September 2011

Language gives identity to a person. Knowledge percolates from brain into the heart by education in mother tongue. This is a thought acknowledged by scholars globally. This is the only way character can be built.
Obstacles are created for the growth of Hindustani language since Independence. The idea that Urdu does not belong here is spread. Impediments are erected with such vicious attitude. When students are available in schools, teachers are missing. The root of the language is weakened. But the inherent capacity of a language can tide it over such hostile situation. Even after 60 years, the status and position of the ruler’s language is there for everyone to see. Even after thousand years, Urdu has not only maintained its influence in India, but held its head high internationally. Jashne Faiz was successfully organized in countries like New Zealand and Australia. International Urdu conferences are held in different countries like America, Canada and India. Urdu has proved to be the language of people for all times.
Urdu traveled a journey of 300 years in just 30 years between 1918 and 1948. Education in all streams including medicine and engineering was imparted in Urdu in Jamia Osmania University. Students graduating here traveled far abroad and made an impact. There were scientists from Urdu stream doing rounds globally. The situation that ensued was disconcerting.
Now school students from Urdu schools fare among state level toppers in Maharashtra. They are demonstrating the value of education in mother tongue. Other states can follow Maharashtra.
Urdu has not lost any ground in media, advertisement and film industry. In this marketing era, advertisements for apparels, detergents and refreshments are echoing popularity of Urdu.
After 1948, English became official language in Osmania university. This brought stagnation. A fresh lease of live was given with founding of Maulana Azad National Urdu University. At long last, rulers realized the importance. Now M.B.A and M.C.A can be pursued in Urdu medium. If Urdu medium education had been accepted even after 1948, Muslim community would have developed leaps and bounds.
This is technology era. But students at University level are not conversant even in one language. Language is essential to live as humans. Two language policy is yielding negative results.
Central and state governments are doing their bit. We have to do our part. Urdu medium education, education in mother tongue, is missing. Tree is available, flowers and fruits are available. But roots are snapped. Schools and colleges are left to die. Teachers are not appointed. There are eight students in a University. They are demanding atleast 15 or 20. Intimacy with language went down after partition. Adherent culture was terribly affected. Urdu is host to most number of Islamic books and works. If Urdu disappears, it will take Islamic values down with it. Immigrants in America are sending cheques for the death of their mothers. Some charity organization is taking care of last rites. Mother tongue will impart values and culture. Humane values, love for others and good virtues should be taught to next generation beginning from when they are five years old. Let us not crave for everything that is English. We are failing in our duty to groom human beings. Our language will teach and thrust good values. A Muslim entrepreneur is willing to donate 200 crore rupees for pollution control (C.E.P). Graduates are not enough. We need human beings. This is a democratic country and we need to knock the doors of the government. Government is not doing enough for language development. Mamta Banerjee is helping Madrasas. Demands should be strengthened in Tamilnadu as well. Language till tenth standard forms bulk of what one learns. Knowledge obtained from college is relatively less.