The Sweetness Of Urdu Has No Parallel: Urdu Teacher

How did you become an Urdu teacher?
Urdu was one of the four subjects I had studied at the graduation level. But I knew  it was the only subject to which I could give my best. And I topped the entire arts faculty (University of Delhi) during my postgraduation.

How different is teaching Urdu  from other languages?
Urdu literature is different from other languages. The flavour and sweetness engrained in this language is unparalleled. After
studying literature, if you pick up Urdu language, apko ismein kahin zyada lutf ayega (you will derive much more pleasure from it).

Few students learn the language in school, which, in turn, means fewer teachers. As a result, we now have limited places to learn the language from. What do you have to say about this?
I agree to this to some extent. If Urdu is taught in all the schools, the situation can improve. But those who couldn’t study Urdu in school can still learn it at the college level. At present hundreds of students learn Urdu at Delhi University. Even (Jamia Millia Islamia) runs a programme. There is one correspondence programme for beginners too at Jamia.

Is it possible for someone who hasn’t studied in the Urdu medium to become an Urdu teacher?
Usually, most Urdu teachers have done their schooling from an Urdu-medium school. Even I went to one such school — Fateh Puri Muslim Senior Secondary School. But in case you don’t go to any such school, there are ways and means to compensate the loss. For example, one can listen to BBC’s Urdu channel, read Urdu newspapers. (Sahara and Sahafat are the popular Urdu dailies). Even Voice of America and Voice of Germany have one-hour Urdu programmes in the evening. Learning depends entirely on desire. If you have that in you, you can lea- rn the Urdu language easily.

Do you think youngsters today want to learn the language?
Yes, they are. Earlier, it was the first language in undivided Punjab and was popular among non-Muslims. Even our Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (who was also born in the same region) still reads his speeches in Urdu.

Though its popularity has dipped of late, we, at Stephen’s, receive scores of applications from students the world over. We also run short-term language programmes, which are, however, meant  only for international students.