New Delhi: Union Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal on Wednesday stressed on the need for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Urdu language, literature and the art forms like calligraphy.
Speaking at the 18th Meeting of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), Sibal said a new vision and a national strategy is needed immediately.
To prepare an ‘Approach Paper’, in this regard, three interactive sessions were held with eminent personalities connected with Urdu language, literature and culture.
These sessions were presided over by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha K. Rahman Khan, noted scholar Prof. Shamsur Rehman Farugi and member of Planning Commission Dr. Syeda Saiyidain Hameed last year.
The Minister underlined the need to preserve the past and at the same time make the study of Urdu relevant to the aspiring youths of the country.
He declared that the government is preparing a National Vocational Educational Qualification Framework, wherein efforts will be made to associate vocational education.
“The promotion of liberal arts associated with the Urdu language like calligraphy, painting, ghazal singing etc. will be put on fast track,” he said.
Sibal confirmed a meeting between the NCPUL and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to encourage access of studying Urdu in India, for those in foreign countries.
The Minster also added that the problem related with the availability of Urdu teachers would be discussed in a meeting of State Education Ministers to be held later this month.