By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.com
Hyderabad, December 3, 2025 – The Government Degree College for Women (GDCW), Hussaini Alam, in collaboration with the Urdu Cultural Heritage Foundation (UCHF), celebrated World Urdu Day with great enthusiasm and literary richness. The programme was organised around the thought-provoking theme “Shair-e-Mashriq Allama Iqbal ki Urdu Shayri mein Qaumi Yakjehti ke Anasir” (Elements of National Unity in the Urdu Poetry of Allama Iqbal).
Held in the Khursheed Jah Seminar Hall, the event featured Extempore (Impromptu) Speech and Urdu Essay Writing competitions conducted entirely in Urdu. Students drew inspiration from Iqbal’s iconic works Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa, displaying remarkable confidence, eloquence and depth of understanding. A total of 24 students (12 in each competition) participated with full zeal, and every participant received a Certificate of Participation.
The programme was presided over by Prof. Ch. Appiya Chinnamma, Principal of GDCW, whose presidential address inspired students to embrace Urdu not merely as a language but as a priceless cultural treasure.
Architect M.A.R. Saleem, Founder President and Chairman of UCHF, highlighted the foundation’s mission and its unwavering commitment to preserving Urdu heritage.
Eminent academicians enriched the occasion with their addresses. Dr. K. Sreedevi, IQAC Coordinator, spoke about the college’s vision and academic excellence. Dr. Mohd. Anweruddin, Head of the Department of Urdu and Convenor of the event, reiterated the department’s dedication to promoting Urdu language and literature. Dr. P. Latha, Academic Coordinator, emphasized how World Urdu Day celebrations enhance students’ learning experience and cultural awareness.
Adding literary depth, Shah Nawaz Mirza recited selected verses from Shikwa and Jawab-e-Shikwa, captivating the audience with the emotional intensity of Iqbal’s poetry.
Syed Zia ur Rahman, Toastmaster and Founder of YaHind.com, stressed the importance of public speaking and communication skills in today’s world, motivating students to practice consistently and apply soft skills in real-life situations.
Renowned scholar Dr. Abid Moiz dwelt on the cultural and historical significance of Urdu, while Toastmaster Mohammed Mubin (visiting from Riyadh) underlined the role of soft skills in modern education and career success.
Dr. Mumtaz Jahan gracefully anchored the entire programme.
Judges Extempore Speech Competition: Dr. Abid Moiz, Syed Zia ur Rahman (Toastmaster & Founder, YaHind.com), Mrs. Rizwana Kabeer (Author & Social Activist) Essay Writing Competition: Atiya Fatima (Author), Architect Imran Saleem, Architect Syeda Rahmat Rania
Competition Results:
Extempore Speech Competition
1st Prize: Rubeda Fatima D/o Mohammed Ashraf Ali – ₹3,000 + Certificate of Appreciation
2nd Prize: Mahboob Unissa D/o Syed Kaleemullah Hussaini – ₹2,000 + Certificate
3rd Prize: Khatija Fatima D/o Mohammed Akbar Khan – ₹1,000 + Certificate
Consolation: Syeda Fatima D/o Syed Afroz – Books + Certificate
Urdu Essay Writing Competition
1st Prize: Obeda Fatima D/o Mohammed Ashraf Ali – ₹3,000 + Certificate of Appreciation
2nd Prize: Rubeda Fatima D/o Mohammed Ashraf Ali – ₹2,000 + Certificate
3rd Prize: Sabahat D/o Zulfequar Khan – ₹1,000 + Certificate
Consolation: Taha Naaz D/o Mohammed Shafi – Books + Certificate
The event was graced by distinguished NRI guests specially invited by UCHF: Mrs. Parveen Saleem, Architect Imran Saleem, Mrs. Atiya Fatima, Intesar Alavi, Dr. Sayeed Nawaz, Mohammed Muzaffar Ahmed, Ghouse Arsalan, Architect Mohammed Abdur Rauf Ateeq, Syed Ifteqar Hashmi, Amb. M. A. Najeeb, Tajamul Ali Khan, Dr. Omer Bin Hassan and others. UCHF expressed heartfelt gratitude for their presence and continued support.
Letters of Appreciation and Certificates of Recognition were presented to the UCHF Chairman and all judges. Dr. Abdul Quddus delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the college.
The college administration and faculty extended warm hospitality and made excellent arrangements. The programme concluded with refreshments and tea sponsored by UCHF, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of pride in Urdu’s timeless melody and its power to unite hearts.
UCHF and the college thanked all participants, judges, faculty members and guests for making World Urdu Day 2025 a truly memorable and inspiring celebration.
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Congratulations to the organizers, judges and participants!
The celebrations showcased true literary richness and highlighted the beauty of Iqbal’s thought.
A proud moment for the Urdu community in Hyderabad!