Role of Urdu speaking community in freedom struggle

Role of Urdu speaking community in freedom struggle highlighted

Special Correspondent

“Urdu poets used poetry to enthuse freedom fighters”

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala on Saturday highlighted the important role played by the Urdu speaking community and the Urdu language in the freedom struggle.

Speaking at the Urdu Teachers Day celebrations organised by the Government Muslim Teacher Training Institute Alumni at the Raj Bhavan, Mr. Barnala explained how Urdu poets used their poetry to enthuse freedom fighters. In Tamil Nadu, the Governor noted that there were 327 primary schools and 24 higher secondary schools offering Urdu education. He honoured Syed Mohammed Ismail, former Vice-Principal, Government Muslim Teacher Training Institute, with a silver plaque for his contribution to Urdu for over 39 years as a teacher.

The Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali exhorted the minority community to be united to take Tamil Nadu to greater heights, especially in the cause of education.

Mr. Ismail, accepting the recognition, thanked the people of the State and the Urdu speaking community in particular for honouring him.

Mukhtar Badri, a poet, highlighted Mr. Ismail’s contribution in propagation of Urdu.. Mohammed Shanawaz, President of the Institute, J. Fareed Ahmed, Secretary, spoke.