Aligarh, November 22: The 9-day Urdu Book Fair, jointly organised by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), the Cultural Education Centre (CEC), and Sir Syed Academy of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), was inaugurated today at the lawns of the CEC by AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon in the presence of NCPUL Director Dr. Mohammad Shams Iqbal and other distinguished guests. More than fifty publishers are participating in the book fair, which will also feature daily cultural and academic activities.
In her inaugural address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon said that the Urdu Book Fair being held with the support of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) is not just a collection of books, but a cultural and intellectual celebration. “This fair is an intellectual movement, one that elevates language, literature, research, and social consciousness.”
Prof. Khatoon shared that during the Vice Chancellors’ meet of central universities, the Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, had emphasized that Urdu is “our own language” and that every effort must be made for its development. He had especially urged a couple of universities, including AMU to publish books in Urdu, whether textbooks or reference works, and to popularise the language by producing high-quality literature.
The Vice Chancellor stated that AMU teachers write quality books in Urdu and the university would ensure their publication.
She added that Urdu is an exquisite and refined language of our cultural heritage, “a language that holds songs of love, voices of resistance, and the light of intellectual reasoning.” Urdu has maintained its dignity across eras, she noted, becoming the medium of expression for great writers, poets, and thinkers.
“This book fair is a declaration that we want to keep the book culture alive, strengthen the tradition of reading, and remain committed to the promotion and development of our languages,” she said. The digital world, she added, has certainly opened doors to information, but the touch, fragrance, depth, and seriousness of books can never be found on a screen.
“I want our students to come here, pick up books, turn their pages, look for questions within them, and seek answers,” she said. Reading, she emphasised, is not merely about acquiring information but is a journey of intellectual training, character building, and enlightenment. She expressed hope that students would leave the fair with a new book and with it, new directions, new questions, and new curiosity. The fair will also offer opportunities to experience literature and culture through ghazals, tarahi mushairas, storytelling sessions, and interactions with authors, along with special programmes for children.
Prof. Khatoon thanked Dr. Shams Iqbal, saying that NCPUL has always played an active role in the service of Urdu language and culture. Its contributions to book publication, language promotion, and research opportunities will always be valued in academic circles.
In his introductory remarks, NCPUL Director Dr. Shams Iqbal described the book fair as a platform that promotes intellectual discourse. He said that after Hindi and English, Urdu is the most widely spoken and understood language in India, and therefore efforts to promote Urdu must be made with a positive and futuristic approach. He highlighted the pivotal role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of AMU, in the reform of Urdu language and noted AMU’s deep association with Urdu culture and tradition, making it a fitting venue for such a fair. He also shared NCPUL’s recent achievements and experiences in organising various book fairs.
Delivering the keynote address, noted fiction writer Syed Mohammad Ashraf said that unlike the fleeting impact of social media, books leave a lasting impression and play a crucial role in building a better society. Books sharpen imagination and intellectual abilities, he said, urging the younger generation to strengthen their relationship with reading. He described the literary and cultural programmes, interactions with authors, ghazal sessions, storytelling, tarahi mushairas, and children’s events at the fair as exciting opportunities for book and culture enthusiasts.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman said that Aligarh has always stood out for having teachers of modern disciplines, such as science, medicine, surgery, engineering, and law, who were also well-versed in Urdu. “A language, too, has its dignity and honour. The language we speak is easy to learn, so Urdu must be learned and read to keep its culture alive.”
Director of Sir Syed Academy, Prof. Shafey Kidwai, said that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan himself founded a Book Reading Society and was a prolific writer. The book fair, he noted, is an extension of Sir Syed’s scholarly tradition. Highlighting the benefits of reading books, he said that the effects of reading through social media or virtual means are momentary and lack sustained attention, whereas reading books enhances cognitive and imaginative abilities. He cited various thinkers and intellectuals to underscore the value of books.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by CEC Coordinator Prof. Mohammed Naved Khan.
During the inaugural session, several publications of NCPUL were also released. Dr. Faizanul Haq conducted the proceedings. The event was attended by a large number of faculty members and dignitaries, including Dean Students’ Welfare Prof. Rafiuddin.