Why Did West Bengal Urdu Academy Postpone Its Event Featuring Javed Akhtar?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed its upcoming cultural event featuring Javed Akhtar after protests from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. This decision raises questions about freedom of expression and the role of cultural events in society. What does this mean for the Urdu community in West Bengal?
Key Takeaways
- Event Postponed: The West Bengal Urdu Academy's cultural event was postponed due to community objections.
- Community Concerns: Protests centered around the invitation of Javed Akhtar raised significant unease in the Muslim community.
- Literary Alternatives: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind suggested other poets and writers could have been invited instead.
Kolkata, Aug 30 (NationPress) The West Bengal Urdu Academy has announced the postponement of its four-day cultural event originally set to commence on August 31, which was to feature the esteemed poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar.
Nuzhat Zainab, Secretary of the West Bengal Urdu Academy, indicated that the postponement was due to unavoidable circumstances.
In a concise press release, Zainab stated, "Due to unavoidable circumstances, the four-day programme of the West Bengal Urdu Academy, scheduled from August 31 to September 3, is being postponed."
However, sources revealed that the decision came after the Kolkata unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind formally objected to Javed Akhtar serving as the chief guest at the Urdu Academy event.
A few days prior, the political organization had sent a letter to the West Bengal Urdu Academy voicing their concerns.
Zillur Rahman Arif, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's Kolkata unit, expressed strong opposition to Akhtar's invitation as the chief guest at the Kolkata Mushaira.
"We have sent a letter to the Urdu Academy. We have appealed to the Vice-Chairman of the Urdu Academy that this programme is a matter of joy for the whole of West Bengal, but inviting Javed Akhtar to it has caused a lot of unease among people. Javed Akhtar has spoken a lot of negative things against Islam, against Muslims, and against Allah. This person is not a human but a devil in human guise. Do not include Javed Akhtar in this programme," he stated.
He further added that while the event is significant for the entire West Bengal, inviting Akhtar has generated considerable discomfort within the Muslim community.
In their letter, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind emphasized that it is inappropriate to invite someone with such a controversial reputation to any esteemed programme in the Urdu language.
"There are many talented poets, writers, and journalists in the Urdu community who would be suitable for this programme," the letter concluded.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the delicate balance between cultural expression and community sentiments. The West Bengal Urdu Academy's decision to postpone the event highlights the ongoing dialogue around freedom of speech amid societal tensions. It's vital for organizations to foster inclusivity while respecting diverse perspectives.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the event postponed?
The West Bengal Urdu Academy postponed the event due to unavoidable circumstances, primarily influenced by protests from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind regarding Javed Akhtar's attendance.
Who is Javed Akhtar?
Javed Akhtar is a celebrated Indian poet, lyricist, and screenwriter known for his contributions to Hindi cinema and literature.
What was the reaction of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind?
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind expressed strong objections to Javed Akhtar's invitation, citing his controversial remarks against Islam and Muslims.
