HYDERABAD: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated the Congress Government’s unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of the Urdu language, Urdu literature, and Urdu culture in Telangana.
Speaking at the 8th Nawab Shah Alam Khan Memorial Mushaira organised by the Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Association at Anwar-ul-Uloom College in Mallepally on Saturday night, Uttam Kumar Reddy affirmed that the government would leave no stone unturned to preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of Urdu. “We will ensure that all Urdu teacher vacancies are filled through a special recruitment drive. Our government is determined to give Urdu the respect, recognition, and institutional support it deserves,” he said.
Sharing a personal connection, the Minister spoke of his upbringing in the Old City of Hyderabad. “I was born in the Old City. My parents studied entirely in Urdu medium and spoke the language at home. Urdu is the language of my upbringing, my emotions, and my culture,” he said.
He lauded the Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Association for consistently organising the annual Mushaira and described it as a noble cultural mission that preserves Hyderabad’s spirit. Calling Urdu one of the most beautiful languages in the world, Uttam Kumar Reddy said, “Urdu is a language of *tehzeeb*, of harmony, and of expression. It played a crucial role during India’s freedom struggle—uniting people through soulful poetry, revolutionary slogans, and stirring speeches.” He described Urdu not just as a medium of communication but as a bridge between communities.
The Minister also reiterated the Congress Government’s strong commitment to the rights and welfare of minorities. “All minority educational institutions will receive the support they deserve. We have doubled the minority welfare budget and will spend ₹4,000 crore to empower our communities,” he announced. He also addressed the issue of delayed fee reimbursements for minority-run colleges under the previous administration, assuring corrective action.
On the matter of reservations, Uttam Kumar Reddy gave a firm assurance that the Congress Government would protect the 4% Muslim reservation. “This is not just a policy—it is a constitutional right. We will fight all legal battles to defend it in every judicial forum,” he said. Recalling his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he said that the Congress had always opposed legislation that threatened minority rights, citing the party’s strong stand against the Waqf Amendment Act passed by Parliament.
The Minister also highlighted the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, TPCC President M Mahesh Kumar Goud, and senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao, stating that the party remains united in its commitment to secularism and constitutional values. “From Delhi to Telangana, the Congress stands with the minorities. Our mission is equality, justice, and security for every citizen,” he said.
He warned against attempts to divide the country on religious lines for political gain, asserting that the Congress would firmly resist such moves. “We are committed to your security, your rights, and your future,” he told the audience, which included poets, students, and members of the Urdu-speaking community.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also praised the Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Society as one of the most respected institutions in Telangana, serving nearly 18,000 students. He promised full government support for its academic and cultural initiatives and assured continued engagement with the Urdu-speaking community.
