18-05-2025
Seminar highlights role of Urdu manuscripts in freedom struggle
Nagpur: A three-day national seminar focusing on the contribution of Urdu manuscripts to India's freedom struggle (1757-1947) concluded at the
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
(YCMOU). The event, organised jointly by Union Govt's '
Gyan Bharatam Mission
' and YCMOU's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, saw participation from 40 Urdu scholars and researchers across India, including representatives from Nagpur and other cities in Vidarbha.
The valedictory ceremony was presided over by YCMOU's pro vice-chancellor Dr Jogendrasingh Bisen, with Dr Abdur Raziq, coordinator of Gyan Bharatam Mission from New Delhi, as the chief guest. Bisen emphasised the need for preservation, conservation, and digitisation of historical manuscripts in Urdu and other languages. He stated that these documents are crucial for future generations to understand their history and heritage.
Dr Raziq highlighted the importance of such seminars in creating awareness about these manuscripts and urged individuals possessing old manuscripts to contact the Gyan Bharatam Mission for their preservation.
The seminar featured research paper presentations from scholars based in cities like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Notably, women researchers actively participated, and one session was entirely organised and conducted by women.
A Mushaira featuring poetry and ghazals was also held.
Nagrajun Wadekar, director, faculty of humanities and social sciences, said the seminar highlighted the significance of Urdu manuscripts in the Indian independence movement. Rashid Khan conducted the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks.
