Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Kala Academy Marks 50 Years With Grand Festival
The Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Kala Academy, akin to the Khan Academy for Urdu culture and literature, marked its 50th anniversary with a grand festival. The event, inaugurated by Minister for Minority Development and Aukaf Adv. Manikrao Kokate, showcased literary, musical, and cultural programs. Established in 1975 by former Chief Minister Shankarrao Chavan, the Academy has been promoting Urdu culture and literature for decades.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations featured a book exhibition, mushaira, Sufi music, and felicitations of eminent personalities. Renowned artists like Sabri Brothers and Anup Jalota performed at the event. Over the years, the Academy has organised over 450 literary programs, 250 mushairas, 150 workshops, and 100 book launches. The Minister announced plans to increase Urdu schools and hostels across Maharashtra, where around 9 lakh students study in 1,800 Urdu schools. The government also plans to build a modern Urdu House to promote cultural exchange between Marathi and Urdu literature. A new committee, the Marathi-Urdu Cultural Exchange Committee, will be formed to oversee this initiative.
The Maharashtra Urdu Sahitya Kala Academy's Golden Jubilee festival celebrated Urdu culture and literature, while also looking ahead to future growth. With plans to expand Urdu education and promote cultural exchange, the Academy continues its mission to preserve and promote Urdu heritage in Maharashtra.
