University of Jammu organises a One-Day National Seminar on the theme “Urdu: Cultural Heritage, Contemporary Challenges and Global Prospects”

JAMMU: Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu, organised a One-Day National Seminar on the theme “Urdu: Cultural Heritage, Contemporary Challenges and Global Prospects” on 27 November 2025 as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations. The event brought together scholars, writers, and academicians from across the country. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising knowledge, enlightenment, and the rich cultural traditions of the University of Jammu. Twenty research papers were presented by faculty and scholars from across Jammu region.

The inaugural session set an inspiring tone for the day. Prof. Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning & Development, University of Jammu, was the Chief Guest, and Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Head, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Mohammad Kazim, Department of Urdu, University of Delhi delivered the keynote address.

Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director CDOE and Convener of the seminar, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, delegates and participants and underscored Urdu’s evolving global presence and its unique role as a language of cultural harmony. In his address, Prof. Shohab Malik reflected on the contemporary global challenges facing Urdu, including the declining spaces for mother-tongue education, the pressures of rapid technological and digital changes, and the preservation of classical and literary heritage in the face of modernisation.

Prof. Mohammad Kazim in his keynote address gave profound insights into Urdu’s evolving global presence, its literary and cultural significance, and its potential to foster cultural harmony and intellectual engagement worldwide. Prof. Sangita Gupta, the Chief Guest, shared her reflections on Urdu’s cultural heritage, its contemporary relevance, and its role in promoting global understanding and human values. Dr. Parshotam Paul Singh, the organising secretary, presented the vote of thanks.

The first technical session was chaired by Prof. Mohammad Kazim, and Prof. Mohd Reyaz Ahmad, Department of Urdu, University Of Jammu, was the co-chairperson. Dr. Jasleen Kour, Assistant Professor, Department of English, CDOE delivered the vote of thanks.. The second session was chaired by Prof. Nadeem Ahmed from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and co-chaired by Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas from University of Jammu. And Dr. Rajber Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Punjabi, CDOE presented the vote of thanks..

Prof. Vijay Dev Singh, former Director, CDOE, University of Jammu was the chief guest in the valedictory session and Prof. Nadeem Ahmed from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director CDOE presided over the function. The one day seminar was attended by the faculty, staff and students from CDOE and the Department of Urdu, university of Jammu.