Mohd Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI- In recent days, the activities of Jashan Rekhta, a celebrated platform dedicated to Urdu language and literature, have sparked controversy on social media. While the organization is known for attracting a diverse audience interested in Urdu, allegations have surfaced, accusing Rekhta of promoting Urdu in the Devanagari script and thereby diminishing its distinct identity.
Renowned Urdu critic Haqqani Al-Qasmi, who spent seven hours at a Rekhta celebration, expressed surprise at the large and diverse crowd in attendance. Some, however, have accused Rekhta of diluting Urdu’s heritage by presenting it in Devanagari, ostensibly to elevate its status as a Hindi legacy.
Urdu teacher and Jamia Millia Islamia faculty member, Kausar Mazhari, condemned Rekhta, stating, “Rekhta people are joking with Urdu script.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Shahid Habib Falahi on Facebook, expressing concerns about Rekhta’s alleged intentions.
Farooq Argali, a well-known Urdu writer, dismissed the concerns, stating, “What is the harm in translating literature into other languages? Keep doing your work.” However, Khalid Mubashshir, another teacher from Jamia Millia Islamia, raised concerns about Jashan-e-Rekhta becoming a celebration of Devanagari Urdu, with a noticeable absence of Urdu script in Rekhta Publications’ stall.
The controversy deepened as individuals like Shah Zaman Khan and Absar Fatima shared apprehensions about Rekhta’s mission, accusing the organization of attempting to change the Urdu script in the name of promotion.
Amidst the debate, some argued that the transfer of literature between languages is common, with Tayyab Furqani suggesting a need for Rekhta to clarify its script-related initiatives. Notably, there were varying opinions within the Urdu community, with some expressing concern over potential script changes, while others urged critics to contribute positively to the preservation of Urdu.
In response to the allegations of commercialization, Abrar Mujeeb called for legal action against Rekhta, claiming that it was using Urdu literature for commercial purposes without compensating the original contributors.
The controversy also reached prominent Urdu journalist Zain Shamsi, who defended Rekhta’s celebration as a promotion of Urdu culture and heritage, not just its script. Meanwhile, critics like Arshad Abdul Hameed questioned the festival’s commitment to Urdu, pointing out the absence of Urdu banners and books in the publication stall.
While negative comments regarding Rekhta were prevalent, there were also calls for proactive involvement in Urdu preservation. Ghous Siwani urged those critical of Rekhta to contribute positively to the cause of Urdu.
In the midst of this debate, Haqqani Al-Qasimi, in his second visit to Rekhta, acknowledged the success of the platform but expressed surprise at the sight of Mir Taqi Mir’s poetry in Devanagari, adding complexity to the ongoing controversy.
The controversy surrounding Rekhta highlights the delicate balance between promoting Urdu’s rich literary tradition and the need to preserve its unique script, prompting a broader conversation within the Urdu community about the future of the language.
