Recent activities by Jashan Rekhta, a renowned platform dedicated to Urdu language and literature, have stirred controversy on social media. Accusations surfaced, claiming that Rekhta is promoting Urdu in the Devanagari script, potentially diluting its distinct identity.
Despite attracting a diverse audience interested in Urdu, concerns were raised by prominent figures such as Haqqani Al-Qasmi, who spent seven hours at a Rekhta celebration. Critics like Urdu teacher Kausar Mazhari condemned Rekhta, accusing it of undermining Urdu’s heritage by presenting it in Devanagari, seemingly aligning it with Hindi.
Renowned Urdu writer Farooq Argali defended Rekhta’s actions, emphasizing the value of translating literature into different languages. However, the controversy deepened as individuals raised concerns about Jashan-e-Rekhta becoming a celebration of Devanagari Urdu, with accusations of altering the Urdu script for promotional purposes.
Some argued that literature transfer between languages is common, urging Rekhta to clarify its script-related initiatives. Within the Urdu community, opinions varied, with some expressing concern over potential script changes, while others encouraged positive contributions to Urdu preservation.
Amid the debate, accusations of commercialization were leveled against Rekhta, calling for legal action to address the use of Urdu literature for commercial purposes without proper compensation to contributors.
Urdu journalist Zain Shamsi defended Rekhta’s celebration, emphasizing its promotion of Urdu culture and heritage beyond just the script. Critics questioned the festival’s commitment to Urdu, pointing out the absence of Urdu banners and books in the publication stall.
The controversy surrounding Rekhta highlights the delicate balance between promoting Urdu’s literary tradition and preserving its unique script, prompting a broader conversation within the Urdu community about the language’s future.
