DAMMAM — Urdu is a lingua franca common (language) of India which is spoken all over the country and is a unifying factor, said Prof. Syed Mujawir Husain Rizvi, eminent academician from India who has also penned more than 250 novels under the pen name of Ibne Saeed in both Urdu and Hindi. He was speaking at the extension lectures organized by HADAF (Human Abilities Development & Advancement Foundation) at Al Khayyam Restaurant here on Friday. While sharing experience of his long and illustrious career as Urdu literature professor with two renowned universities in India — University of Allahabad and the Central University of Hyderabad, Prof. Rizvi left an indelible impact on the audience who showered upon him their applause and respect for his contribution to Urdu language as well as his words of wisdom. He started his address by highlighting the role played by Urdu in national integration, which was also the subject of his doctoral thesis that has received Urdu Academy award. With a great deal of conviction, he opined that Urdu language has a bright future in India and felt that despite the onslaught of other languages, Urdu would surely survive in India. He elaborated on the rich tradition, culture and the values associated with Urdu language. "If there could be any language which could work as the language of communication across the diverse provinces in India," he stressed, it would be Urdu that is understood and spoken across the length and breadth of the country. Quoting several examples including the passion of Munshi Prem Chand for Urdu, Prof. Rizvi pointed out that Urdu is not a language of any particular religion or sect and advised not to link it with any particular religion. He recounted the contribution of Urdu language, which has kept different religions, sects and communities together as well as kindled love and affection. He regaled the audience with several anecdotes and quoted couplets of renowned poets, especially of Allama Iqbal, a renowned Urdu poet and a great literary figure of the East. Prof. Rizvi praised the initiatives of HADAF in catering to different socio-economic causes as well as the efforts of the institution in preserving Urdu language. Prof. Rizvi is currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Besides a long teaching career, he has penned over 250 books in fiction and is considered as the father of social fiction in Urdu language. Several scholars have completed doctorate under his supervision and guidance. In continuation to the extension lecture a well-known scholar also from India Dr. Mohammed Bashiruddin Ahmed, who has recently completed his doctoral research on the works of Sir Mohammed Iqbal, presented a paper on Iqbal, with special emphasis on the message of the poet and philosopher. The founder of HADAF and an eminent linguist, Nayeem Javed conducted the event in his unique style. He enthralled the audience with his diction and knowledge of Urdu literature. He urged the audience to have passion toward the mother tongue and encourage their children to learn and master the Urdu language. Jaweed Masoud in his presidential address elaborated on the mission of HADAF and requested people to avail the avenues which HADAF is providing as well as to come forward in strengthening the organization, which has higher goals and objectives. One of the popular Urdu poets, based in Dammam, Sohail Saqib recited one of his poems on Dr. Mohammed Iqbal. Ehsan Ahmed electrified the audience with the rendition of one of Dr. Iqbal's famous poems. HADAF is a non-profit organization engaged in championing the socio-economic causes of the downtrodden sections with special focus on education.
