A woman speaking in Hindi and Urdu claims to be the daughter of US President-elect Donald Trump in a viral video. She recounts her experience living with Trump and his wife Melania, claiming she was mistreated and eventually sent to Pakistan. The video resurfaced after Trump's latest win and has sparked a wave of mocking and disbelief among social media users.
In a recent interview, renowned writer Javed Akhtar opened up about his writing process for his children Zoya and Farhan Akhtar's films. He shared how his expertise in Hindi and Urdu gives him an edge when it comes to language, but also mentioned how his children sometimes push back on his suggestions, jokingly calling it a "give-and-take" situation. He also revealed the playful banter between them, as Zoya once asked him to write dialogues for a dog character in her film, knowing that no one else could capture the canine's thoughts like her father.
The Congress-led government in Karnataka is facing criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for issuing a notification requiring proficiency in Urdu for candidates applying for the position of Anganwadi teachers in the districts of Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru. Former BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel condemned the decision, accusing the Congress government of favoring the Muslim community and limiting job opportunities for others. The controversy has sparked debate over the state's official language, with the BJP questioning why Urdu is being prioritized over Kannada.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The 2023 Sahitya Akademi Awards were announced in a ceremony celebrating the 70th anniversary of the National Academy of Letters. English author Neelum Saran Gaur and Hindi novelist Sanjeev were among the twenty-four writers who received the prestigious award for their literary works. The awards were given for poetry, novels, short stories, essays, and literary studies from various languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, Manipuri, and Sindhi. In her speech, Jnanpith winner Pratibha Ray emphasized the importance of language in preserving culture.
In music to their ears, the Delhi BJP hosted an event at Urdu Park near Jama Masjid to mark the return of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme after the Lok Sabha elections. Arjuna award-winning international Kho Kho player Nasreen Sheikh was present at the event, where she was praised by Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva for bringing glory to the country. Meanwhile, an academician from the UK's University of Westminster faces allegations of being detained and sent back from Bengaluru International Airport after the central government denied her permission to attend a convention in Bengaluru.
Renowned lyricist and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and famous Urdu poet Gulzar have been announced as the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award by the selection committee. Gulzar, known for his Academy Award-winning song 'Jai Ho' in Slumdog Millionaire, has also received the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Rambhadracharya, founder of Tulsi Peeth, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
The world of Urdu literature mourns as Munawwar Rana, a renowned poet, passes away at the age of 71 due to throat cancer. Survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son, Rana was hospitalized for two weeks at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences before passing away. His famous poem "Maa" is considered a gem in Urdu literature.
Renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, known for his captivating verses and deep insights into human emotions, passed away at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow at the age of 71. He had been battling throat cancer for a considerable time. His daughter Sumaiya Rana confirmed his passing on Sunday night, with the poet's final resting place to be determined for Monday. Munawwar Rana's poignant poem 'Maa' holds a special place in Urdu literature, captivating audiences with its heartfelt portrayal of a mother's love.
Former One Direction member Zayn Malik has delighted fans with the release of a new song 'Tu Hai Kahan', featuring Pakistani band AUR. The song, which was teased on Instagram, was met with excitement and buzz on social media. Released on Friday at 12pm, the mellow track has already become a fan favorite for its blend of English and Urdu lyrics.