Delhi govt launches Urdu literacy centres

As part of its initiative to spread education of various Indian languages, the Delhi government will, after Sanskrit, focus on popularising Urdu, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Friday.

The Deputy CM, who is also in-charge of the Language department, on Friday inaugurated the 'Urdu Literacy Centers' near Kashmere Gate here.

"The government does not want to teach only the grammar of the language, but to teach people humanity and culture though ancient languages, like Urdu," said Sisodia said at a press conference on Friday.

In his 30 minute visit, Sisodia discussed with the officials of the center several ways to spread the education of Urdu. "I will need your help in our project to educate common people Urdu."

Appreciating his move, the center agreed to help out the Delhi government in spreading Urdu education.

"India is a reach country with several beautiful languages. We need to educate common people about these languages because it will help them understand Indian culture," Sisodia said.

Talking at the event, he explained that languages talk about humanity, love and harmony.

"We do not want you to teach grammar of a language, but to understand it from heart," he said.

The government has already taken an initiative to spread the Sanskrit language.

According to the minister, along with Sanskrit, the government will also focus on Urdu and Sindhi.

"These languages carry the tradition of India and I want every citizen should learn these languages," he said.

The minister asserted that he has asked all the language academies to review the way of teaching.

"The teachings should be from humanitarian and historical point of view," Sisodia said, adding that the government requests Delhi's citizens to learn at least two Indian languages apart from Hindi.

"If someone opts to learn Urdu, then we will request them to learn Sanskrit or Sindhi also," he said.

The minister further indicated that the initiative of city-wide language training will continue and increase with time.