Dr. Md. Shams Equbal, the Director of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), stands at the forefront of a critical and complex mission—preserving and promoting Urdu in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape. With a distinguished academic background, including a Ph.D. in Urdu from Jawaharlal Nehru University, his journey from a Research Assistant to his current role reflects his unwavering dedication to the language.
Dr. Equbal’s career has spanned key positions, from his work at the National Book Trust (NBT) as an Assistant Editor and Editor of Urdu, to his tenure as Principal Publication Officer at NCPUL. His additional charge as Chief Vigilance Officer further demonstrated his capacity for leadership and navigating institutional challenges. At every step, he has actively engaged with the task of elevating Urdu, balancing academic, administrative, and financial responsibilities to support its growth.
However, his journey comes at a particularly challenging time. The promotion of Urdu in India is increasingly complex, as cultural and linguistic diversity often faces pressures from majoritarian narratives. Urdu, with its rich heritage and deep roots in the subcontinent, is often unjustly viewed through narrow religious and political lenses, leading to its marginalization.
One of the most pressing challenges Dr. Equbal confronts is the dwindling financial and institutional support for Urdu-related initiatives. In a time when languages like Hindi and other regional tongues are being prioritized, resources allocated for Urdu programs are shrinking. This threatens essential projects such as Urdu publications, literary festivals, and academic research that sustain the language’s vibrancy.
Additionally, there is the pervasive misconception that frames Urdu as a ‘foreign’ language, despite its integral role in India’s cultural and historical tapestry. Combatting such narratives is essential, as they undermine the contributions of Urdu and attempt to erase its relevance. Dr. Equbal’s work transcends the mere administration of language promotion—it requires actively challenging these distorted perceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of Urdu’s inclusive, multicultural essence.
Further complicating the task is the need to modernize Urdu education while preserving its classical richness. Attracting younger generations to the language is crucial for its survival, but the challenge lies in making Urdu relevant and appealing in contemporary times without compromising its literary depth. This balancing act becomes even more difficult in an environment where educational policies may not favor Urdu.
Dr. Equbal’s role also demands building coalitions across diverse groups, including those who may not share his enthusiasm for Urdu. His ability to foster dialogue and create partnerships in such a polarized atmosphere is critical to ensuring the language’s growth and sustainability.
In conclusion, Dr. Md. Shams Equbal’s directorship of NCPUL is more than just an administrative role—it is a mission to preserve a cultural legacy that is an indelible part of India’s identity. Despite the numerous challenges posed by the current political climate, Dr. Equbal’s deep commitment and extensive experience equip him to navigate these hurdles. His work is essential to ensuring that Urdu continues to thrive, offering its profound literary and cultural contributions to future generations.
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