Urdu Journalism takes centre stage at the Bharat Express Conclave in New Delhi as Kiran Rijiju highlights Urdu’s sweetness, Indian origins and cultural significance.
By Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | September 20, 2026
Urdu Journalism and the cultural importance of the Urdu language came under the spotlight at a special conclave organised by Bharat Express News Network in New Delhi, where Union Minister Kiran Rijiju spoke warmly about his personal appreciation for the language and its enduring place in India’s cultural landscape.
Rijiju said that he has a deep personal liking for the “sweetness” of Urdu and described the language as something that can enrich those who learn it. According to the minister, Urdu not only adds depth to communication but also offers insights into ways of living and contributes to the development of an individual’s personality.
He was speaking at the Urdu Journalism Conclave, organised by Bharat Express News Network under its Bazm-e-Sahafat initiative at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event was held in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), functioning under the Ministry of Education.
Kiran Rijiju Says Urdu Is Part of India’s Shared Heritage
Addressing the gathering, Rijiju emphasised that Urdu originated in India and should not be associated exclusively with any particular religion or community. His remarks placed the language within the broader context of India’s multilingual and composite cultural traditions.
The inaugural session brought together prominent personalities from journalism, literature, education and public life. Among those present were former Union minister and BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Shahid Siddiqui, and Professor (Dr) Shahid Akhtar, Acting Chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.
Bharat Express News Network Director and Group Managing Editor Radhe Shyam Rai delivered the keynote address, while NCPUL Director Dr Mohammad Shams Iqbal presented the introductory remarks. Bharat Express Urdu Editor Dr Khalid Raza Khan delivered the welcome address, and Chief Sub-Editor Dr Nisar Ahmad Khan moderated the proceedings.
Shahnawaz Hussain described Urdu as an important custodian of India’s shared cultural heritage. Shahid Siddiqui associated the language with values such as culture, dignity and love, underlining the broader social and cultural dimensions of Urdu beyond its literary identity.
The speakers also discussed the changing media environment and the opportunities presented by technology. Particular attention was given to artificial intelligence and its potential role in expanding the reach of Urdu content, journalism and literary material among new generations of readers.
Professor Shahid Akhtar said Indian languages, including Urdu, would continue to have an important role in the country’s development journey towards the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Radhe Shyam Rai, meanwhile, highlighted the historical and cultural relationship between Hindi and Urdu and pointed to the shared traditions that connect speakers and writers of the two languages.
The conclave featured several cultural and journalistic activities, including a documentary presentation, panel discussions focusing on Urdu journalism and political dialogue, as well as an All India Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan.
The event brought together journalists, writers, academics and public figures to discuss the contemporary relevance of Urdu, the challenges facing Urdu journalism and the possibilities offered by emerging technologies.
The discussions also reflected a wider conversation about preserving India’s linguistic heritage while adapting traditional languages to the rapidly changing media and digital environment.
