New Delhi: A three-day workshop titled “Creating Content in Urdu for Children and Young Readers,” organized by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), concluded in New Delhi.
On the first day of the workshop, renowned figures such as fiction writer and translator Zakia Mashhadi, acclaimed painter and writer Abid Surti, and distinguished children’s author Mariam Karim Ahlawat emphasized the importance of carefully considering children’s mental horizons and psychology when selecting topics and language for storytelling. Many of the stories presented during the workshop successfully adhered to these principles.
In this workshop, Tauseef Barelvi presented “Rumi Ke Suhaane Din”, Shah Taj Khan shared ” Paalki”, Neha Rubab presented ” Ek Shakhsiyat Aisi Bhi”, Nisar Ahmed narrated ” Patna Ki Sair”, Shehnaz Rahman showcased ” Shaan -e- Sultani”, Salman Abdul Samad delivered ” Chai Ka Baghan”, Habib Saifi offered “Mobile Khilona Nahin”, Muhammad Aleem presented “Tansen: Ek Azeem Mouseeqar”, Iqbal Barki showcased ” Robot”, Nigar Azeem shared “Dost”, Siraj Azeem presented “Main Hun India Gate”, Qasim Khurshid delivered “Inqalab Ki Awaz”, Sarwat Khan narrated “Ek Prem Deewani: Meera”, and Anees Azmi presented “Phool Waalon Ki Sair”, among other stories. In addition, Zakia Mashhadi ‘s ” Ek Sach Much Ke Rajkumar Ki Kahani”, Naeema Jafri Pasha’s “Hairat Angez Karnama “, Khurshid Akram’s “Shararati Dennis”, Professor Ghazanfar’s “Phooli Hui Lomdi”, and Mushtaq Ahmed Nori’s “Guftagu” received widespread acclaim. The stories presented over the three days were met with immense appreciation and enthusiastic applause.
The workshop also featured interactive sessions where experts and school children shared their views on the stories presented. Participants highlighted the uniqueness of the workshop, as attendees ranged from young children to individuals as old as 90. The confidence and curiosity with which children asked questions about the stories were both fascinating and encouraging. Writers gained valuable insights into the mindset and comprehension level of today’s youth. According to the speakers, NCPUL’s initiative will help train new authors while encouraging the production of high-quality Urdu content for children, on par with materials available in other languages.
NCPUL Director Dr. Mohammad Shams Equbal shared his vision, stating, “The Urdu language has excellent content, but it lacks proper presentation. Therefore, we will publish selected stories in high-quality books with colorful illustrations on premium paper to attract children.” He further added, “Our Prime minister Shree Narendra Modi has a vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ which aims to transform India into a developed nation by the 100th year of its independence. We must consider how we can contribute to this great national goal at our level, alongside promoting the Urdu language. With my 25 years of experience at the National Book Trust, I am committed to creating books for children that open their minds, unlock doors to a developed society, and contribute to fulfilling the dream of a Viksit Bharat.”
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Shama Kauser Yazdani (Assistant Director, Academic), and was attended by council members Dr. Masrat (Research Officer), Mohammad Bahlol, Mohammad Afzal Hussain Khan, Afroz Alam, and Faizan Haq, among others.
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