Urdu and New Media

It's great news that organization like BBC Urdu is taking the lead in organizing a seminar on Urdu and New Media. Internet is a powerful medium and that's why urdustan.com was launched in 1998 so that Urdu doesn't get left behind in this new media. I am happy to see that there are so many websites in Urdu now.

Unfortunately, looking at the participant list, I don't see any body who is involved in this new media. It seems that BBC is just positioning itself as the champion of Urdu New Media without making sure that it involves people working in this field. Attitude like this has hurt Urdu's cause in the past.

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Seminar on Urdu and New Media

Hyderabad, Feb. 5 (PTI): BBCurdu.com, the London-based news portal which is part of the BBC World Service, is organising a seminar on "Urdu and New Media" here today to deliberate on challenges facing Urdu language in the wake of emergence of new media including internet.

To be inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, the one-day seminar will be attended by State Information and Public Relations Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir and Minority Affairs Minister Mohammed Fareeduddin.

The speakers include Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Managing Editor of "Siasat" Urdu Daily, Nasim Arifi, Editor, "Etemaad Daily", Ghazanfar Ali Khan, senior journalist, "Munsif" daily, Justice Bilal Nazki, media personality Prof Yusuf Kamal and academician Dr Rahmat Yasuf Zai.

Dr A M Pathan, Vice Chancellor, Moulana Azad Urdu Univeristy, Hyderabad will preside over the function.

The seminar is part of the series of event organised by the BBCurdu.com in three Indian cities of New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, a BBC release said here.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200602050303.htm