Dr Shahzad – Launch of Urdu Mehfil in South Africa

The Urdu Mehfil of South Africa was launched at the Suleman Lockhat Auditorium in Durban this weekend.

In an interview on Radio Al-Ansar’s talk show, 90 Minutes, the Chairman and Celebrated poet and dramatist, Dr S N M Shahzad said that Urdu is the language of communication and is ideal for South Africans to develop social cohesion. “It is a free of any religious restrictions, but it certainly does make understanding the Koran easier. It is a language with a humble heart; it hugs people and brings them together regardless of race.

“It is sweet to the ear. Urdu Mehfil comes with this mission to provide the opportunity for the youth and women to be accomplished. It has its own culture. It is not bound by religion or politics. Everyone is equal and it promotes peace and love,” he said.

Recently, he was awarded the, Nishaan e Urdu Award from New York. Literary personality, Ms Mariam Natalwalla who is secretary of the new organization said that there were a number of organizations promoting this language in South Africa.

“What makes us different is that we are concentrating on the diction. It is the pronunciation, the etiquette and the promotion of Urdu and the performing arts which is needed in our country,” she said.

At the launch, messages were received from leading writers, poets, dramatic artists from various countries around the world who volunteered their contributions to ensure that the promotion of Urdu is taken further, not only in this country but throughout Africa. “Our vision is international and we will work with all like minded people regardless of their cultural backgrounds.”

Dr Shahzad ancestors come from Lucknow in India. He said that it was at a time when Muslims were encouraged to resettle in Pakistan. His father, professor Dr Syed Tahir Ali settled in Rawalpindi where the family developed their interest in the promotion of Urdu and the performing arts. “We are not a narrow minded people. To us the language is the sweetest and we are using it to promote drama, creative classes, fine art and just about every form of endeavor to improve the quality of life. It is our intention to stage regular Urdu classes in various areas where we get positive responses from in the greater Durban area. We are also keen to promote the writing of poetry and prose, classical and spiritual songs. Also to create platforms for the various artistic forms,” he said.

Speaking about the role of social media in the promotion of Urdu, he said that many people were now writing this ancient language using in English, using the Roman alphabet. “Traditionally, Urdu is written in the Arabic script, but we are now seeing a great change where people are using different alphabets to express themselves in the language which is loved so much around the world. I do not have a problem with Urdu being written with Roman alphabets, in fact it might make it even easier to teach or learn this language which has no barriers or limitations. We are excited about the changes and we will be experimenting with various platforms, including the social media to make our contribution to such a wonderful language,” he said.

Farook Khan 90 Minutes – Radio Al-Ansar 4 May 2018