New Delhi: At an Urdu conclave held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC), political leaders, intellectuals, community figures, and officials from the NDA government came together to honour distinguished journalists and eminent personalities for their contributions to media and other fields. The ceremony, titled “Urdu Conclave – Bazm-e-Sahafat” and themed “Naye Bharat Ki Baat Urdu Ke Saath”, was organised under the patronage of Upendra Rai, Chairman and CMD of Bharat Express News Network, in collaboration with the Delhi Urdu Academy.
Senior anchor and Editor of Bharat Express Khalid Raza Khan and young journalist Nisar Ahmad Khan served as convener and co-convener of the programme respectively.
Senior journalist and NewsPrism.net staff member Anwarulhaq Baig, Shafique Ul Hasan, who daily shares news and paper clippings on Social Media, and Ali Shahzad were among those felicitated. He received a memento and a ceremonial shawl from Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Sirajuddin Qureshi (former Chairman, IICC), Khalid Raza Khan, and former Union Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain.
Union Minister Athawale lavishly praises Urdu
The second session of the conclave was presided over by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, who hails from Maharashtra. Former Union Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, once a prominent BJP face from Bihar but now seemingly sidelined, also shared the stage along with noted Islamic scholar Prof. Akhtarul Wasey.
Athawale, known for his humour and poetry-laced speeches, opened with a light-hearted remark: “When the UPA ran out of steam, I joined the NDA.”
Delivering his entire address in a rhythmic, poetic style, he described Urdu as a “very beautiful and sweet language,” and recited several playful, rhyming verses. Among them, “Aapne mera istakbaal kiya hai,
Isiliye maine Urdu ko support diya hai.
Main hamesha karta hoon Naye Bharat ki baat,
Isiliye main deta hoon Urdu ko saath.
Tumhari academy hai Urdu,
Tumhare liye main kya kar doon?
Kya main tumhari jholi bhar doon?
Kyunki mujhe bhi achchi lagti hai Urdu.”
In poetic style, Athawale said the warm welcome he received motivated him to “support Urdu,” adding that he always speaks of New India, and therefore chooses to stand with the Urdu language as well. Calling Urdu a language “full of sweetness,” he said it occupies a special place in India’s cultural landscape.
He further noted that Urdu is widely spoken across communities in Mumbai and Maharashtra, where over 200 government-aided Urdu medium schools, Urdu newspapers and several institutions continue to thrive. He remarked, “Urdu-speaking people are part of our society. We all stand with you for the promotion of Urdu.”
Athawale praised the literary richness of the language, saying, “Urdu poetry is truly exceptional.”
Shahnawaz Hussain: Urdu Poetry in Parliament
Former Union Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain recalled that senior leaders such as Sushma Swaraj and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh often used Urdu poetry in their parliamentary speeches. He said that he used to seek verses from Urdu poets and writers before his speeches, but now, he added humorously, he simply asks ChatGPT to provide suitable couplets—“a much easier option.”
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey’s Candid Message
Renowned scholar Prof. Akhtarul Wasey delivered a frank message, directly addressing the NDA representatives present. He urged them to first revitalise and restructure the Delhi Urdu Academy and carry out concrete, policy-driven initiatives to promote Urdu in the capital.
In response, Athawale assured, “Send us your projects and programmes for Urdu; we will get them approved.”
Towards the end, however, Athawale expressed mild disappointment, “I came here expecting to hear the sweetness and lyrical beauty of Urdu—but that longing remained unfulfilled.”
First Session Presides over by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
The first session was presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. Delhi Cultural Minister and Chairman of the Delhi Urdu Academy Kapil Mishra, who has faced controversy over his alleged role in the Delhi riots and for his polarising remarks, was also present. In what appeared to be an effort to improve his image among minorities, he attended the Urdu conclave with an unusually positive tone.
CM Rekha Gupta, a BJP leader, praised Delhi’s inclusive and composite culture, acknowledging its contribution to India’s shared heritage. She said, “My entire team and the entire government are working with one clear aim: along with providing facilities to the people of Delhi, we want to build a positive image of the nation’s capital across the world. Delhi is, in many ways, a mini-India — the finest example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. People from every state have been living here for years.”
The Chief Minister added, “Delhi has a diverse cultural fabric , a culture enriched by the Ganga, Yamuna civilisation. It is our responsibility to carry this forward so that every individual is respected, lives with dignity, receives opportunities for progress, and so that everyone’s language, customs, and traditions continue to flourish.”
She further stated:“The Delhi government is making major efforts to resolve its legacy problems while strengthening Delhi’s cultural identity, which stands as a living example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.”