The Urdu training program reflects a proactive approach by the Delhi Police to bridge linguistic gaps, fostering better communication, understanding, and community relations within the diverse capital city.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a commendable initiative, the Delhi Police have undertaken a program to teach Urdu to its officers, enlisting the services of the prestigious Ghalib Institute in Delhi. The institute has successfully provided Urdu language training to several batches of police personnel. Recently a 20-member batch was equipped with the ability to read and write Urdu.
The decision to introduce Urdu classes stems from the prevalent use of Urdu and Persian terminology in the day-to-day operations of the Delhi Police. Officers transitioning from Hindi or other linguistic backgrounds find it crucial to familiarise themselves with these terms to enhance their efficiency within the unique linguistic framework of the Delhi Police system.
Delhi Police officials emphasise that incorporating Urdu and Persian language skills alongside regular training facilitates a smoother understanding of the nuanced vocabulary used in police procedures. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, they point to words like ‘Qatl,’ ‘Mulzim,’ ‘Giraftari,’ and others, which form an integral part of police communications.
Jitendra Mani Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the Urdu Project, highlighted the historical influence of Urdu, Arabic, and Persian words in the Delhi Police system. He stressed that while alternatives to certain outdated terms have been introduced following judicial intervention, familiarity with Urdu remains essential for comprehending older documents.
Tripathi further explained that learning Urdu is crucial for officers as basic details in First Information Reports (FIRs) are often documented in Urdu script. Although alternatives exist, the traditional usage of terms like ‘ruqa’a’ or ‘tehreer’ persists, making Urdu proficiency valuable in police work.
“We are learning Urdu because a significant section of our society uses this language. In areas where the Muslim population is higher, knowing Urdu can establish better communication and understanding,” said Tripathi. He emphasised that an officer proficient in Urdu would be preferred by all communities, fostering better community relations.
Mohammad Mustafa, the Urdu teacher, said the classes aim to enable officers to comprehend Urdu and Persian words present in documents such as FIRs. The initiative is not only seen as a practical aid in understanding official documents but also as a valuable asset for career advancement, with officers who have undergone Urdu or Persian classes being accorded special importance.
The Urdu training program reflects a proactive approach by the Delhi Police to bridge linguistic gaps, fostering better communication, understanding, and community relations within the diverse capital city.
