It was a memorable programme organized by Telangana Urdu Academy on November 18, to pay tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the front ranking freedom fighter and first education minister of independent India. Addressing a mammoth gathering of Urdu lovers at Chowmohalla Palace, the Deputy Chief Minister , Mohammad Mahmood Ali paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and said as the first education minister of Independent India, he laid a strong foundation for promotion of education and cultural heritage of the country. Praising the efforts of the Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao, he said numerous initiatives are being taken up in the state for welfare of minorities stressing education. Urdu has been made the second official language in the state and the degrees of Jamia-e- Nizamia made equivalent to the degrees of any recognized University. He said that the Andhra Pradesh government in its long rule ignored the Urdu language and culture of Urdu promoted by the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan and his predecessors.
The advisor to the government on minorities affairs, former director Anti-corruption Bureau, A K Khan IPS said no other state of the country can compare with Telangana as far the welfare of minorities is concerned.
The secretary to the minorities welfare department, Syed Omer Jaleel IAS appealed to the people particularly minorities to avail the schemes launched by the government.
The director/ secretary Urdu Academy, Prof S A Shookur threw light on the activities of the academy and said it is a model academy for other states.
The senior most physician of the city Dr Hyder Khan who was given Maulana Abul Kalam Azad award was felicitated on the occasion. Urdu Academy awards were presented to the teachers and lecturers from primary to university level. Unani doctors and calligraphers were also given wards.
A ghazal programme presented by Mohd Wakil of Jaipur and Pratibha Singh of Mumbai enthralled the audience.
