Golconda: Non-Urdu signboards draw ire

Golconda: Questioning the seriousness of the Telangana government's claim of promoting Urdu which is now State's 2nd official language, the language lovers have pointed out that even the historic fort of Golconda where origins of Hyderabad are found, fails to reflect in its signboards which has English, Telugu and Hindi, but Urdu.

After this anomaly was noticed some of them knocked on the doors of the TS Minority Commission to seek justice, citing indifference attitude of the Archeological Survey of India. "The signboards have names in English, Hindi and Telugu languages whereas Urdu language has been neglected, although, it has been declared as the 2nd official language by the State Government.

Urdu language is not only spoken by a vast majority of the City's residents, but also visitors who come from across different. It is still read and written by major section of this state, irrespective of religion, caste and creed. The avoidance by authorities to write in Urdu on the signboards is clear injustice with the Urdu language," said Syed Abdul Rahman, a post-graduate student and language enthusiast.

Rahman who came across this matter from a leading Urdu news paper decided to take up the matter with the TS Minority Commission, which earlier in the similar cases has sent notices to several State and Central government departments seeking clarification about neglecting Urdu in their signboards. "I requested them to take up the matter with Archaeological Survey of India and take forward with the issue with Dr Milan Kumar Chauley, Superintending Archaeologist of Archaeological Survey of India, so that signboards inscribed with Urdu are installed," he added.

A resident of Tolichowki, Abdul Jabbar who on a recent visit to Golconda fort found this trend to be utter disregard, as Urdu as a language received patronage in the Deccan for centuries, during Qutubshahi and Asafjahi dynasties. "Our Chief Minister who now hoists flag from the ramparts of the Golconda should also understand the importance of Urdu attached to the culture and tradition of the Deccan, particularly with Hyderabad," he added.