Role of Urdu in National Integration

Role of Urdu in National Integration

Introduction

Language is the only media by which one can express his ideas and feelings. It plays a vital role in building the character of an individual as well as a nation. Languages bring closer each other and it creates a sense of harmony among the people.

Pakistan has several regional languages, chief of them being Pushto, Punjabi, Sindhi, Baluchi and Kashmiri.

Urdu – National Language of Pakistan

After independence Quaid-e-Azam said in clear cut words that the national language of Pakistan would be Urdu. He said:

“Let me make it clear that the national language of Pakistan is going to be Urdu and no other language . Without one state language no nation can remain tied up solidly together.”

Evolution of Urdu

Urdu evolved over a period of centuried by cultural contacts between local people of north of Sub Continent and Muslims of Arabia, Iran and Turkey. The base of this language is Prakrit, an Aryan language. The script of Urdu is modified form of Persian. Urdu is a word of Turkish language and its literal meaning is camp.

Qualities of Urdu

1.    Great Power of Assimilation

The splendour of Urdu is Turkish and its charm is Persian in its base. The vitality of Urdu lies in its ability to adopt words from other languages in such a way as if they originally belonged to it. The chief reason for its country wide popularity was its power of Assimilation. According to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan:

“…Still now Urdu has great affinity for many other words and ideas which increases its beauty.”

2.    Source of National Indentity

National language is the identity of a nation. When we are abroad we are identified as Pakistani because of our national language. That is why, every nation gives out respect and importance to national language.

Rich Treasure of Prose and Poetry

The Urdu language possesses a very valuable treasure of poetry and prose. The poets and writers have contributed their most in its development. Maulana Shibli Nomani, Maulana Hali, Deputy Nazir Ahmed, Mirza Ghalib, Amir Khusro and many others adopted this language in their poetry and writings. Sir Syed wrote for the re-awakening of the Muslims of Sub Continent. According to Abdul Haque:

“It is Sir Syed due to whom Urdu has made such a great progress within a period of only one century.”

Importance of Urdu in National life

Certain points which expresses the importance of Urdu in national life are given below:

1.    Means of Brotherhood and Unity

People of Pakistan are one nation, therefore their thinking, aims and objectives are common. Their progress and prosperity depends upon their unity and brotherhood. An important factor for achieving this unity and brotherhood is Urdu.

2.    Source of Expression

Urdu has become a source of expression, feeling, thoughts, and aspiration. People of two different areas can easily understood each other ideas and thoughts by Urdu.

3.    Means of Communicaton and Co-ordination

Urdu serves as a means of communication and is a binding force between all the four provinces of Pakistan. People living in different provinces realize that in spite of speaking different languages, they are joined together by one national language which is the heritage of all.

4.    Medium of Instruction

Urdu language is the medium of instruction in most of the educational institutions of Pakistan. History, Islamic Studies, political Science and other subjects are taught upto M.A level in Urdu. Lectures on Islamic education and religion are also delievered in Urdu throughout Pakistan.

Urdu – An Imporant Part of Our Cultural Heritage

Urdu grew in popularity and by the later Mughal Period and the advent of the British, it had been adopted by the Muslims and the Hindus alike. It would not be wrong to say if it is said that:

“Urdu is a part of our cultural Heritage.”

Conclusion

Being the national language of the country, it is the binding force in different parts of Pakistan. The officers have adopted Urdu language in their official work and the Government has published a dictionary containing Urdu terms for the office work. The Urdu Development Board and “Anjuman-e-Taraqi-e-Urdu” are trying to give Urdu a place in society and it is hope that Urdu would find its place in society within short period of time.