Urdu takes backseat in IT-dominated society, says ex-IPS officer

The proliferating information technology (IT) sector has vastly impacted the society, including Urdu-speaking community in the State, lamented retired IPS officer Khaleel Mamoon.

Addressing the gathering during the opening of a two-day seminar, here, on Wednesday, on ‘The Changing Scenario of Urdu Language and Culture’, organised by the Department of Studies in Urdu, University of Mysore, as part of its centenary year celebrations, in collaboration with Karnataka Urdu Academy, Mamoon cited the example of Bengaluru, where even if one converses in the State language Kannada — either in a bus or stores — conductors and storekeepers reply in Hindi.

“The status of the Urdu-speaking community is no different with the dwindling number of people speaking the language. In Kashmir too, the situation is no different, as youths prefer either Hindi or Kashmiri languages, with English also making inroads,” he said.

Mamoon, also former chairman of the academy, said, there were not much takers for literary works in Urdu, as is evident with the recent limited publications. “Such is the pathetic situation that a meagre 10 to 15 copies are published only for the sake of financial assistance from the authorities concerned,” added Mamoon, quoting  a genuine source.

However, Mamoon had a praise for the neighbouring Kerala State, where he could find a chaste Urdu-speaking community. The film and TV industry should also take the credit for promoting the language, he said.