Old City youth crooning Telugu nerchukundam

 ​Hyderabad: Old City of Hyderabad has always been an Urdu bastion but in the past few weeks, from maulvis to university students, private employees to media men, several sections of society have begun learning the Telugu language. Reason:  The announcement by the Telangana government for appointment of 66 Urdu officer posts in Grade I and II categories.

One may wonder why one needs to be proficient in Telugu language for an Urdu officer post. Here is the catch. It is made mandatory for applicants to know Urdu, English and Telugu languages with equal felicity to appear for the exam. 

And, hence, the mushrooming of several one-month crash courses in Telugu language. From Dabeerpura to Diwan Devdi, Malakpet to Mehdipatnam, aspirants are making a beeline to these Telugu courses. For instance, Syed Shafiullah Quadri, who is proficient in Urdu is hard-pressed to learn Telugu language.  He joined Telugu tuition centre at Dawn School in Malakpet. 

It is learnt that 5,500 candidates have applied for 66 Urdu officer posts. Several WhatsApp groups have been created for helping aspirants and by aspirants themselves to share tips about acing Telugu test. 

Some workshops are also being organised by some social groups and teachers to help the students.
M A Samad, a Telugu language teacher, says, “It is heartening to see so many people come to me to learn the language. Usually, people show a step-motherly attitude towards Telugu. Even if it is for time being, we feel happy.”  It has been four weeks now and many of the students are able to translate and understand Telugu better, he noted.   

Many are happy that there is a renewed interest in Telugu language. Abdul Raheem, assistant professor from Deccan Engineering College, says, “Even If I do not clear the exam, I would at least learn the language.” Telugu classes are held at Dawn School in Malakpet. Earlier, a two-day workshop was held at Lakkadkot by Human Welfare Foundation. Similarly, a two-day workshop was held in Shahin Nagar of Old City and another workshop is going to be held soon. 

Abdul Ghani, a media professional, said that it was very tough but not impossible to learn the language. He said, “As a media professional I have some idea, but translation is not easy and it is not everybody’s cup of tea. Attending daily classes by experts and learning from friends are much helpful.”

Classes are also being held at Islamic Centre at Mehdipatnam where senior Telugu expert Abdul Rasheed and Anil Kumar are teaching the nitty-gritty of the language.