Background

The idea of creating an institution for the promotion and propagation of Urdu germinated into the minds of Dr Athar Parvez, tutor at the Teachers Training College, and Mr Enayet Hossen Edun who has just come back from Aligarh Muslim University after completing his post graduate studies. With the blessings of late Hons. Sir Abdul Razack Mohamed and some eminent Muslim Traders, the National Urdu Institute was at last inaugurated on 18th of September 1970. Ideally located in the heart of Plaine Verte, Port Louis, this miniature institution accomplished a gigantesque masterpiece and became the mouthpiece of all Urdu lovers. A laudable step in the Urdu arena was marked.

Late Sir A.Raman Osman, the then acting Governor General and late Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the then prime Minister of Mauritius were made the chief patron and Sir Abdul Razack Mohamed patron of the National Urdu Institute. Late Mr. Abdullah Currimjee became the first president of the institute and late Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahmed the honorary secretary followed by being a dedicated president for quite a long time.

The general secretary was nobody else than the motivated Mr. Enayet Hossen Edun (Lecturer at the Teachers Training College). The vice presidents were Dr. Fakim and Mr. Ahmad Kathrada; Mr Issack Joonas was entrusted the responsibility of treasurer. Among others, the committee members were Messrs. S.Vawda, H. Hayat, S.Bhayat and Y.Mohamed. These people ran the institute with their soul and heart. They never hesitated to spend massively in the promotion of this ancestral language. The Urdu lovers were constantly showered with all sorts of literary and cultural programs and free tuition to pupils taking part in courses of Ibtedai, Adeeb, Adeeb Mahir, Adeeb Kamil, School Certificate and G.C.E was the force of the Institute. Urdu scholars made up their way and career from this institute. There was a paradigm shift in the study of Urdu from its being only a vehicle of religion to the profound knowledge of language and literature.

The combination of Mr. Ahmed Abdulla Ahmed, Mr E.H.Edun and his team won this institution worldwide fame. Mr. Shehzad Abdulla Ahmed succeeded to Mr. Abdulla Ahmed as president when the latter‘s health deteriorated and he was immobilized. The actual president is making relentless effort to follow the steps of his father in the promotion of Urdu. After Mr. E.H.Edun, Mr. Farook Bauccha was another person who took the administration of the Institute in his hands till 2004. His fighting spirit was another asset which helped the National Urdu Institute to be internationally recognized. If we have been able to re-establish our tie with Jamia Urdu, the credit goes to him.

Today the bureau is composed of twelve members with Mr. Shehzad Abdulla Ahmed as chairperson, assisted by Dr. Swabir Goodur, Senior lecturer MGI. Mr Khaleck Bauccha, the secretary, is assisted by Miss Abida Alladee. Mr. Said Meeajun is the treasurer and Mr. F.Husnoo is his assistant. Messrs Farook Bauccha, Anwar Dustmahomed, Hariff Baurtally, Rafick Hossenbaccus, Dr. Reaz Gokhool and Sakina Rasmally form part of the executive committee. We are constantly supported by a large group of Urdu lovers, especially our teachers who are constantly working hard at their level. The above Institution is now registered at the Registrar of Associations. This nursery is extended island wide and teachers have formed a network to promote this language.

Upon the request of the NUI, the Ministry of Education introduced the teaching of Urdu in the State Secondary schools in 1972 and Urdu examination at principal level in the Cambridge Higher School Certificate. We even asked the Ministry to recruit Education Officers to teach Urdu in all secondary schools. We also asked the Ministry of Youth and Sports to organize Drama Festivals in Urdu. We are also grateful to The Indian and Pakistan High Commissions for awarding scholarships to study Urdu at tertiary level upon our demand. A request was also made to the MBC TV to increase Urdu programs.

Aims and Objectives of the National Urdu Institute:

to promote Urdu language, literature and culture
to run Urdu classes free of charge
to organise seminars, workshops, literary programs cultural programs and other activities
to conduct Examinations from Qabl-E-Ibtedai to Adeeb Kamil
to establish a proper Urdu library and resource centre
to defend the cause of Urdu in any forum
to publish newspaper/newsletter
and to collaborate with other institutions for the promotion of Urdu

One of our main activities is to organise Urdu examinations at national level in collaboration with Jamia Urdu, Aligarh. Qabl-E Ibtedai, Ibtedai Adeeb Adeeb Mahir and Adeeb Kamil are organized by the NUI under the aegis of Jamia Urdu, Aligarh. Last year, we had a representative from Jamia Urdu and we had a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties. These examinations help students to improve their knowledge in Urdu language and literature. They also get the opportunity to learn the history of Urdu language and literature. This M.O.U will help our students get admission to Aligarh Muslim University and henceforth, certificates would be issued by Jamia Urdu for Adeeb, Adeeb Mahir and Adeeb Kamil examinations.

If we are dotted with the Urdu Speaking Union as a gift of the government, the credit goes to the National Urdu Institute. Its chairman and members left no stone unturned in obtaining this gift. It is a matter of pride that the first official function of the Urdu Speaking Union was the second world Urdu conference in collaboration with the National Urdu Institute. Now most of the activities are jointly carried out.

The National Urdu Institute has always been in the forefront to struggle in favor of Urdu and is currently still maintaining this position. Now with the support of sister organizations and our founder members, we have become much stronger on the literary front and intend to become even stronger in the future.