The fifth International Urdu Conference concluded here on Sunday with the launch of a poetry book 'Kanch ka Chiragh', authored by noted journalist and writer Nasira Zuberi at the Arts Council of Pakistan.
Speakers at the second session of the final day discussed global perspectives in Urdu literature, contending that Urdu was not just a regional language, but an international language. They said that it could be comprehended and spoken in various parts of the world.
Stressing the need for attention, Dr Nomanul Haq said that Urdu literature was multi-dimensional. "The role of every society or group can been seen in its global perspectives," he said. Urdu, he said, was a very significant language in global perspectives, as it was understood by millions of people all over the world.
Highlighting various Urdu literature genres, Dr Noman said: "The West is a proximate source of Urdu novel writing, which also has roots in Arabic writing trend."
"If translated into English, Urdu literature can attain high standards in global literature. Urdu writers can also receive international awards," Dr Nomanul Haq told participants.
Dumash Balgar, who came from Turkey to attend the conference, informed the audience that various Urdu literature books had been translated into Turkish language.
He said that Urdu literature had been taught in three universities in Turkey, including Ankara University and Istanbul University.
"As long as 60 years ago, Urdu Department was established at the Ankara University", he said. Now, Urdu literature was being taught in three mainstream universities in Turkey, Dumash said.
"There is a need to translate more Urdu literature in Turkish as it is insufficient to cater the needs of those who are willing to learn Urdu," he recommended, adding that Allama Iqbal's collection of poems had been translated into Turkish language. He said that books penned by Ghalib, Patras Bukhari and other noted prose writers and poets had also been translated.
According to him, universities in Turkey were experiencing a dearth of Urdu teachers, adding that Pakistani teachers were not taking enough interest in going to Turkey and teach Urdu to willing students.
Farhat Parveen said that Iqbal's poetry had also been translated into Spanish language.
"We need serious work to promote Urdu literature all over the world," she said.
Shamim Hanfi, a renowned scholar from India, said that a lot of Urdu books had been published in other languages.
A book entitled 'Kanch ka Chiragh', a collection of poems penned by famed poetess Nasira Zuberi, was launched before the conclusion of the conference.
The book launching session was presided over by prominent Urdu scholar Shamim Hanfi.
He was accompanied by Asghar Nadeem Syed, Prof Shahida Syed, Sarmad Sahbai and Nasira Zuberi.
Shamim Hanfi praised the collection of classical and semi-classical poetical works and said that the poetess had done a remarkable job, adding that the work was unique because it was without any gender discrimination.
"The author has expressed her feelings in a semi-classical manner. I wish that she will continue to write poems," Shamim said.
Sarmad Sahbai said: "I read the poetry of Nasira Zuberi and found her to be an established poetess. She does not depict feminism in her book like poetess Parveen Shakir and others whose poetry was filled with feminist allegories," Sarmad noted.
Noted playwright Asgar Nadeem Syed said that Nasira Zuberi's book was a collection of classical poetry.
Nasira Zuberi thanked her family members who supported her in her endeavours to launch her book. She said that she did not plan to achieve fame with her work.
According to her, she was inspired and her poems were a reflection of her inner feelings, which she had merely translated into words. She said that her book encompasses highlights of memorable moments of her life.