Recently, a flurry of messages went around stating that the government was considering having a Urdu Ghar in Byculla and even Govandi, based on requests from respected MLAs in the area. While for Byculla, it was even stated that it will come up soon, the administration said that it was a far cry, considering the paucity of space.
Urdu language lovers have, however, questioned why the government has failed to provide an Urdu Bhavan. Urdu Bhavan, like other language Bhavan, was to come up inside the Kalina campus of Mumbai University. A land was identified and money was also sanctioned.
It was before the previous state government spoke about an Urdu Ghar. Urdu Bhavan was to cater to the growing needs of Urdu language. "The need for Urdu Bhavan was felt because besides doubling of faculty, we introduced new courses like computer course and even Ghazal appreciation. The need was felt to have a bigger library even," said Dr. Sahab Ali, head of department of Urdu at Mumbai University.
During the last leg of its tenure, the previous government had even done a Bhoomi Pujan and made budgetary provisions. Language lovers say that governments have only done this for votes.
"They talk of Urdu Ghar and say they will look for land. Where land is already available and sanctioned, they have not done anything as yet," said Farid Khan, convenor of Urdu Caravan, an NGO that promotes Urdu language and culture. Khan was earlier part of Urdu Markaz, which had held Bhendi Bazaar Urdu Festival before it split.
"We have not written any reminder as of now, but are waiting for things to move. The land is still there," said Ali. When contacted, Vinod Tawde, minister for education and minorities affairs did not respond to call or SMS.
DELAYING TACTICS
Urdu Bhavan, like other language Bhavan, was to come up inside the Kalina campus of Mumbai University. Land was identified & money was sanctioned. It was before the previous state govt spoke about an Urdu Ghar.
