Urdu Academy is engaged in the promotion, propagation & development of Urdu Language and Literature in Delhi. With a view to promote Urdu lingual culture and encourage exchange of ideas and experiences, it organizes Seminars, Mushaira, Cultural programme etc. at various occasions. It provides financial assistance to publish creative writing for the needy Urdu writers. Under educational and training programmer, it provides prizes to Urdu students and supplies books to Urdu medium schools and libraries.
Urdu Language was born out of the Indian soil. Urdu poetry, in a great measure, inspired millions to make sacrifices in the long drawn out freedom struggle and it remained most popular language for centuries together. Unfortunately after Independence Urdu language lost its status slowly due to various reasons. Therefore, there was a long felt need to have an apex body to preserve and nurture the rich heritage of Urdu language. With these objectives in view the then Delhi Administration established Urdu Academy in May, 1981 under the Chairmanship of Lt. Governor of Delhi for the promotion, propagation and development of Urdu language and culture as an integral part of Delhi. With the passage of time the Academy has made its identity as a premier Urdu literary, cultural and educational institution in Delhi. Ever since its inception, the Academy has been implementing all its schemes with certain improvements every year. The Academy has been playing a catalytic role in the promotion of the lingual, literary and cultural activities in Urdu world.
Legislative Assembly has passed Delhi Official Language Bill 2000 giving Urdu language as the status of IInd official language of Delhi"
Activities of Urdu Academy can be broadly classified in the following categories:-
- Publication of books, reprint of old books regarding Art and Culture of Delhi, Magazine and translation of books etc.
- Research Work.
- Seminars, Drama Festival, Sponsorship to Literary & Cultural Organizations.
- Award & Prizes for literary excellence, Monthly Financial Assistance to aged needy Writers/Poets or their dependents.
- Mushairas.
- Development of Urdu Language.
- Promotion and propagation of literary activities.
- Teaching Scheme.
- To organize programmes with other language Academics.
- Urdu Literacy Centers.
- Establishment National Urdu Library.
All the above schemes are reviewed by the Governing Council/Executive Committee of Academy from time to time keeping in view of the requirement.
Educational Competitions and Prizes
Every year Urdu Academy organizes Educational Competition such as "Essay Writing", "Debate", "Quiz Context", "Qawwali", "Ghazal" and "Umang Painting Competition" etc. for the students of Primary to Sr. Secondary level of Delhi. About 1400 students participate in these competitions and about 200 to 225 students get the Cash Prize, Academy's Memento and Certificate every year. First three position holders in these competitions are given Cash Prize, along with Shield/Memento and Certificate.
Urdu Coaching Classes
The Academy provides Instructors/Teachers to various Urdu Coaching Centres of Delhi. This is regular feature. Acadmy provide facility for coaching to the aspirants of admission in E.T.E & B.Ed. courses (Urdu).
Urdu literacy centres
The Academy has launched a scheme for eradication of illiteracy under the National Policy on Education in 1988. Every year, the Academy establish about 200 Urdu Literacy Centers in the various parts of Delhi in which about 4000 learners have been enrolled. This is a regular work to promote Urdu education amongst women and low-income group people. The Academy is providing Instructors, Books, Copies, Chalks, Black Boards, Daris, Pencils and Erasers etc. to the centres free of cost. A Committee of Experts drawn from State Resource Centre, J.M.I. which is functioning under Ministry of HRD, evaluates the working of the Literacy Centres annually. 100 toppers among the learners and 40 best Instructors are awarded with the cash prize of Rs.1500/- & Rs.1500/- respectively along with a certificate and memento in an Annual Function.
