Why Did the West Bengal Urdu Academy Postpone an Event Featuring Javed Akhtar?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed its cultural event featuring Javed Akhtar due to objections from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. This decision highlights the tensions within the community and raises questions about cultural celebrations in a diverse society. Explore the implications of this postponement and the voices behind it.
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal Urdu Academy postponed a major cultural event due to community concerns.
- Javed Akhtar was set to attend but faced objections from local groups.
- The decision highlights the complexities of cultural celebrations in a diverse society.
- Community voices are pivotal in shaping such events.
- Alternative poets and writers may be considered for future events.
Kolkata, Aug 30 (NationPress) The West Bengal Urdu Academy has announced the postponement of its much-anticipated four-day cultural festival, 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, cited unavoidable circumstances as the reason for this change.
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, insiders reveal that the decision to delay the event followed a formal objection raised by the Kolkata unit of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind regarding Akhtar's role as the chief guest at the Urdu Academy gathering.
Recently, this political group sent a letter to the West Bengal Urdu Academy voicing their concerns.
Zillur Rahman Arif, General Secretary of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's Kolkata unit, expressed his disapproval of Javed Akhtar's invitation as the chief guest at the Kolkata Mushaira.
"We have communicated with the Urdu Academy. We have urged the Vice-Chairman of the Academy that this event is a cause for celebration for all of West Bengal, but the invitation to Javed Akhtar has generated significant discontent among the community. Akhtar has made numerous disparaging remarks about Islam, Muslims, and Allah. He is not a human but a devil in human form. We implore you not to include Javed Akhtar in this programme," he articulated.
He emphasized that while the event is indeed a celebration for the entire West Bengal region, Akhtar's presence has instigated unease within the Muslim populace.
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's letter asserted that inviting such an individual to a prestigious Urdu-language event is inappropriate.
"There are many outstanding poets, writers, and journalists in the Urdu community who would be more suitable for this programme," it concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the delicate balance between cultural celebrations and community sentiments. The postponement of this event reflects the complexity of societal dynamics in West Bengal, and it is crucial for the Urdu Academy to navigate these challenges with sensitivity and openness.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the postponement of the event?
The event was postponed due to formal objections raised by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind regarding Javed Akhtar's invitation as chief guest.
Who is Javed Akhtar?
Javed Akhtar is a renowned poet, lyricist, and screenwriter known for his contributions to Indian cinema and literature.
When was the event originally scheduled?
The event was initially set to take place from August 31 to September 3.
What concerns did the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind express?
They expressed unease about inviting Javed Akhtar, citing his past remarks that they find offensive.
What is the significance of this cultural event?
The event is a celebration of Urdu culture and literature, which holds great importance for the community in West Bengal.
