The impact of Pathak’s work is evident in the growing number of people interested in learning Urdu, whether for personal enrichment or as part of a larger cultural connection.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
LUCKNOW — In a city known for its rich literary and cultural heritage, the Urdu language has found an unexpected champion in Devya Ranjan Pathak. With a deep passion for the language and its nuances, Pathak has not only learned Urdu but has dedicated his life to teaching it across Lucknow and its surrounding areas. His journey of teaching Urdu, often outside the traditional classroom, has left a lasting impact on both the language and the people he’s taught.
Pathak’s foray into Urdu teaching began when he joined a camp in Barabanki, one of several initiatives to spread the language beyond the confines of formal educational institutions. Over time, he was invited twice to teach in the suburbs of Lucknow and even conducted classes in local schools. But it was not just the location that made his teaching unique – it was his ability to teach on the go. Whether it was a small community gathering, a book fair, or a temporary setup in public spaces, Pathak brought Urdu to the people wherever he could.
“We’ve worked hard to reach people wherever they are. It’s not about finding a fancy classroom but about making the language accessible,” Pathak told Clarion India over the phone.
The journey has not been without challenges. Despite the impact of COVID-19, which affected many traditional teaching methods, Pathak and his dedicated team, including Dr Nihaluddin Usmani and Dr Arti Barnwal, continued their mission without any financial compensation. The team’s dedication to the Urdu language is purely driven by their love for it, and their tireless efforts have been a source of inspiration for many.
“Teaching Urdu is not just about learning a language; it’s about preserving a cultural heritage. Our goal is to inspire others to appreciate Urdu, not just for poetry but as a living, breathing language,” said Dr Usmani, a key member of the team.
The group’s work has caught the attention of notable figures, including former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik, who has expressed a keen interest in learning Urdu. His support has given the team further motivation to continue their efforts. “The governor was genuinely interested in Urdu and met with us to understand how we work. It was an encouraging experience for all of us,” Pathak recalled.
While the team’s efforts have been met with enthusiasm, the biggest obstacle remains the lack of a permanent space for classes. Although they are making it a do with makeshift venues, Pathak dreams of a dedicated space where Urdu can be taught regularly and with the respect it deserves. “Finding a suitable place is still our biggest challenge. But we’re not giving up,” he said.
Pathak’s passion for Urdu is rooted in his own life experiences. Born and raised in Lucknow, he was exposed to the literary scene from a young age, thanks to his father, who worked with Akashwani (Radio). This early exposure to the rich cultural and literary milieu of Lucknow has deeply influenced his love for Urdu. “I grew up hearing stories of literary giants and became fascinated with the language and its beauty,” he said.
In 2013, Pathak took the step of formally learning Urdu at the Urdu Research Centre (UTAC), a regional branch of the Centre for the Study of Indian Languages. There, he was able to fine-tune his language skills under the guidance of experts like Dr Usmani, who helped him master pronunciation, and a renowned Lucknow writer who taught him the intricacies of Urdu script. Soon, he began teaching the language to others, and his journey as an Urdu educator began in earnest.
One of Pathak’s most cherished resources for teaching Urdu is Hayatullah Ansari’s Urdu in Ten Days, a book he calls a “masterpiece” for both learners and teachers. “This book has helped countless people learn Urdu, and I use it as a tool in my own classes,” he said. Pathak’s teaching methods also involve the use of storytelling, which helps make the language more relatable and easier to understand.
The impact of Pathak’s work is evident in the growing number of people interested in learning Urdu, whether for personal enrichment or as part of a larger cultural connection. His approach has breathed new life into a language that continues to be an integral part of Lucknow’s identity. “It’s not just about teaching words; it’s about teaching the heart of the language,” Pathak concluded.
As long as Pathak’s passion remains unwavering, the flame of Urdu in Lucknow will continue to burn brightly, inspiring new generations to embrace this beautiful language.
