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Cultural themes<\/b><\/p>\n
Among the books published so far are ones that explore rich cultural themes, including the tale of Mira Bai, Delhi\u2019s famous \u2018Phool Walon Ki Sair\u2019, the life of Gautam Buddha, and Maharashtra\u2019s Palkhi festival dedicated to the deity Vithoba. \u2018Phool Walon Ki Sair\u2019 is a historic Delhi festival celebrating communal harmony, where floral offerings are made at a mosque and a temple, accompanied by music and cultural performances.<\/p>\n
Other titles highlight \u201cunsung\u201d heroes, such as Mazharul Haque\u2014a freedom fighter and advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity\u2014and art forms like Lezim\u2014a vibrant folk dance from Maharashtra, known for its rhythmic movements and energetic formations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hardly have Urdu books on folk dances or multicultural festivals, and there are virtually none for children. It is very important for our children to learn about all traditions and festivals, which is why we have decided to cover as many as possible through this initiative,\u201d Equbal said.<\/p>\n
He added that most children\u2019s literature currently available in Urdu focuses on popular writers and poets, like Iqbal, or classic tales, such as Hatim Tai\u2014rooted in Arabian folk hero tradition\u2014and Alif Laila, a collection blending Middle Eastern, Persian and Indian storytelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut how many children know about unsung heroes, like Mazharul Haque, who played a key role in India\u2019s Independence, or about India\u2019s rich cultural traditions like the Palkhi festival and folk dances? We need to tell these stories in Urdu as well. We will publish more such unsung heroes in the coming month,\u201d he told ThePrint.<\/p>\n
Equbal explained that Urdu children\u2019s literature has traditionally focused on moral stories.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn these new books, special care has been taken to awaken children\u2019s critical and innovative thinking, rather than just teaching moral lessons. We have prepared stories that spark curiosity, highlighting Indian culture and heritage\u2014covering topics, such as India Gate, Palkhi, Gol Ghar, and folk traditions. There are also stories about notable Indian personalities, like Mahatma Buddha, Tansen, Mira Bai, Hasrat Mohani, and Mazharul Haq that appeal to children\u2019s intellectual curiosity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe council has always published books on modern scientific discoveries, and now we have also introduced excellent books for children on artificial intelligence and robotics.\u201d<\/p>\n
AI & robotics in Urdu children\u2019s literature<\/b><\/p>\n
NCPUL has published some books on contemporary topics, such as use of artificial intelligence in schools, mindful use of mobile phones and robotics, and so on.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe books address the ethical use of AI through storytelling, and emphasise that mobile phones are not toys, teaching children to use them responsibly. This is something which has not been included in Urdu children\u2019s literature so far,\u201d Equbal said.<\/p>\n
He added that the council had organised a workshop last month, inviting children in the 8\u201318 age group to review the draft books. \u201cWe invited children to read the drafts, and their inputs were incorporated into the final editions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Urdu experts have welcomed the initiative. Mohammad Kazim, professor at Delhi University\u2019s Urdu department, told ThePrint, \u201cIt\u2019s not that (Urdu) books on Indian festivals and culture don\u2019t exist, but they are very few. There was also a major gap in children\u2019s books on contemporary topics, like AI and mobile phones, in Urdu, whereas such books have been available in English and other languages for years. This initiative will make Urdu children\u2019s literature far more appealing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, NCPUL is also planning to republish these books in bilingual formats. \u201cThe next edition will feature stories in Urdu-Hindi and Urdu-English, in line with the NEP 2020\u2019s emphasis on a multilingual approach.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Edited by Mannat Chugh)<\/p>\n
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