Urdu Academy set to include more women

NEWDELHI: The Delhi government has reconstituted the Urdu Academy with more women members.

The new committee will be chaired by well-known scholar Jamia professor Wajeehuddin; Nasheet Shadani, an advertising professional whose web initiative ‘Ishq Urdu’ works to connect the youth to the language; Rana Safvi, another member runs the popular blog ‘ Hazrat-e-dilli’, about Delhi’s culture, heritage and traditions; Kamna Prasad, an Urdu activist and founder of the ‘Jashn-e-bahar’ Foundation.

The government has made a conscious effort towards inclusivity and there has been an unprecedented rise in the number of female members of the Urdu Academy, said a press statement issued on Monday.

“Urdu is an integral part of Delhi’s cultural and literary his- tory. It is an important marker of Delhi’s composite culture,” deputy CM Manish Sisodia said.

“The government hopes to create an environment for Urdu that will not only ensure that the language is well-preserved, but that it also advances linguistically and socially. With this dynamic general body committee we are sure to create an unprecedented impact,” he added.

However, a former member of the academy said the new committee lacks expertise and experience in the language. “For the first time, more women have been nominated to the committee. It is commendable decision, but the government has ignored good names this time. Earlier, the head of Urdu departments in Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Hamdard were also included. Poets and editors of national repute were part of the academy too,” he said.