MEAMARKETS / UAE Business Awards 2021 35 , Mar21019 Urdu is spoken bymillions of people in India and it is the national language and a lingua franca of Pakistan. It is widely spoken and understood as the second language inNepal, Bangladesh, and the Arabian Gulf and is considered a lingua franca in the Indian subcontinent too. It is also one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Rehan Khan tells us more about this language and his quest to preserve its beauty. Best Cultural Events Organising Service – Dubai Non-profitable, non- religious, and non- political organisation, Bazm-e-Urdu, works for the propagation of Urdu language by organising Urdu cultural events in Dubai. It is the first and the only social club, working towards the upliftment of Urdu, which is licensed by the Community Development Authority, part of Dubai Government. Bazm-e Urdu, Dubai believes that Urdu is a language of masses which unfortunately has been harmed by vested interests. With a clear vision to see Urdu regain the status it deserves globally as one of the most spoken and understood languages of the majority of the people of Indian subcontinent living around the world, Bazm-e- Urdu, Dubai works to unite lovers of Urdu, irrespective of their native language, colour, religion, and geography. In other words, to see Urdu ultimately evolve as the language of Love, Unity, Humanity, Tolerance and Peace. Founded by Rehan Ahmad Khan, a bachelor from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Kharagpur), Bazm-e-Urdu, Dubai endeavours to create occasions to help popularise the language and to keep it moving forward strongly. “We aim to instil a sense of pride in the younger generation about Urdu and its etiquette,” he begins. “To keep on promoting Urdu as an optional subject in as many schools as possible throughout the world so that it becomes part of regular curriculum.” Bazm-e-Urdu, Dubai has established three regular awards, alongside several other honours, which have been instated to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made by scholars and other personalities to elevate the status of Urdu and promote Urdu language globally. These awards also aim to enhance the importance of Urdu and its cultural relevance to the general public. “We make sure that whatever we do is aligned with our objectives, vision and mission. Special care is given to work on the right message which will reach our audience. We refrain from subjects such as religion and politics but focus only on the beauty of the language we serve.” Being based in the United Arab Emirates certainly has many advantages for Bazm-e-Urdu, providing a platform for the organisation to propagate its language and culture further. “Dubai specifically gives us a beautiful opportunity to work on our passions and priorities as it is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. In the current scenario where the whole world is becoming narrower in terms of tolerance, UAE is a shining example where it accommodates all kind of viewpoints.” Bazm-e-Urdu, Dubai is a very unique organisation with the only requirement to become a member being a love for Urdu. Rehan is keen to unite people of various colours, religions and languages for this single cause and he sees members from across the globe in countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Canada, and the USA. “It is heartening to see people of different religions and regions and mother tongues get together for their love of a single language which most of the times is not their native tongue. This is the magic of this beautiful language called Urdu that it generates love and tolerance among everyone.” Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the organisation struggling financially due to the cancellation of events and gatherings, Rehan is very upbeat regarding the future and is determined to continue to keep the beautiful language of Urdu flourishing across the globe. “We will keep on spreading the message of love and tolerance through its poetry, its songs, its culture. Anyone who comes across this sweet language is mesmerized for life and is entangled by its charm. We will keep on seeing the relevance of our organization in spreading awareness about this language and its message of love.” Rehan has very ambitious plans for 2021, especially when it comes to holding physical events once again. There is a big Literature Festival in Dubai planned - one of its first kind to be seen in the country, and once which Rehan hopes and prays will go ahead so Bazm-e-Urdu, Dubai is able to present the language at the event to the people of Dubai and lovers of Urdu in the region. “We are trying hard to free this language from the shackles of religion which has been wrongly portrayed and propagated to stereotype it.” Rehan closes with a poignant couplet from the famous Urdu poet, Jigar Moradabadi. “Un ka jo farz hai vo ahl-e-siyasat janen, mera paigham mohabbat hai jahan tak pahunche.” “Politics is their affair, mine is an affair with love for spreading around the world.” Company: Bazm-e-Urdu, Dubai Contact: Rehan Khan E-mail:
[email protected] Web: https://www.bazmeurdu.org/