A major victory for Urdu-speaking Muslim residents as MLA Raees Sheikh’s persistent efforts bear fruit
BHIWANDI – After five years of continuous struggle, the dream of establishing an Urdu House in Bhiwandi — often called the ‘city of Urdu lovers’ — is finally set to become a reality. The Maharashtra government has allotted land for the project, marking a significant step towards preserving and promoting Urdu language and culture in the Muslim-majority city.
The proposal, long pending before the state authorities, has now received official approval thanks to the tireless efforts of Bhiwandi (East) MLA Raees Sheikh, who has been pursuing the matter since 2021.
“This is not just a building; it’s a symbol of our cultural identity,” said Raees Sheikh, expressing satisfaction after years of effort. “Bhiwandi has always been a centre of Urdu language and literature. The establishment of an Urdu House will strengthen our commitment to education, art, and literature.”
Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai, is widely known for its thriving textile industry and is often called the “Manchester of India”. Despite its significant Urdu-speaking population, the city had been deprived of an Urdu House for decades, even though smaller cities across Maharashtra had received such facilities earlier.
“The people of Bhiwandi had almost lost hope,” said Mohammad Shafi, a local teacher. “For years, we have been waiting for a space that would serve as a hub for Urdu writers, poets, and cultural events. This decision has renewed our faith.”
Raees Sheikh had been pursuing the demand on behalf of the people since his election. In 2021, he raised the issue with the then Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik, securing a written assurance from the ministry. However, bureaucratic hurdles and land allocation issues delayed the process for years.
The government had set a condition that the Minority Department must possess its own land of at least 2,500 square metres for construction. Meeting this requirement became one of the biggest challenges in the process.
“Finding suitable land was not easy,” said Raees Sheikh. “We worked closely with the local administration and finally identified a suitable plot belonging to the Group Gram Panchayat Samiti, located in front of School No. 62 in Bhiwandi city. After several rounds of discussions, the government finally allotted this land.”
He added, “This was a long and difficult journey, but we never gave up because we knew how much this means to the people of Bhiwandi.”
The proposed Urdu House is expected to become a vibrant centre for literary and cultural activities, including mushairas (poetic gatherings), seminars, and language development workshops. It will also serve as a library and resource centre for Urdu scholars, students, and cultural organisations.
According to Raees Sheikh, “Bhiwandi is home to thousands of students studying in Urdu-medium schools and colleges. Many go on to pursue higher education from institutions like Yashwantrao Chavan University and Maulana Azad University. This Urdu House will provide them with a platform to engage with their language and heritage.”
MLA Sheikh confirmed that he has written a formal letter to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, requesting him to call a meeting with the concerned departments to expedite the construction process.
“We have completed the groundwork. Now we need the state’s support to start construction without delay,” Sheikh said. “I am hopeful that the deputy chief minister will soon convene a meeting so that the project can begin at the earliest.”
For many residents of Bhiwandi, this development is seen as a victory for cultural recognition and inclusivity. Urdu, which has long been an integral part of Bhiwandi’s identity, is now expected to receive renewed attention and institutional support.
“Bhiwandi has given great poets and scholars to the Urdu world,” said Zubair Ansari, a local Urdu journalist. “This Urdu House will give our youth the encouragement they need to continue that legacy.”
Local social worker Shahida Khan echoed the sentiment: “For years, Urdu was ignored in policy matters. This initiative sends a positive message that our language and culture matter.”
With land now officially allotted and political will behind the project, the people of Bhiwandi are optimistic that construction will begin soon. The Urdu House is expected to be built on modern lines, incorporating facilities for cultural events, training workshops, and literary research.
“This is a proud moment for every Urdu lover,” said Raees Sheikh. “After five years of continuous struggle, the foundation stone of our dream is finally being laid. We will ensure that this Urdu House becomes a beacon of knowledge and unity for generations to come.”
