TAMIL NADU / NEW DELHI :
At a Jamia seminar on freedom, responsibility and shared nationhood, the National Commission for Minorities vice-chairperson stressed education, skills, women’s advancement and linguistic unity
New Delhi :
National Commission for Minorities Vice-Chairperson S Munawari Begum called on students at Jamia Millia Islamia to focus on education, skills, women’s advancement and social unity, while sharing her own experience of growing up with Urdu and Hindi.
She was speaking as the chief guest at a one-day seminar titled “Freedom, Responsibility & Shared Nationhood”, organised by the Department of Sociology at Jamia Millia Islamia on August 18.
The seminar brought together students, teachers and members of the academic community to discuss freedom, civic responsibility and the idea of a shared nationhood. According to the department’s programme information, the event was intended to provide a forum for discussion on these issues.
Begum, who took charge as vice-chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities last month, was joined at the event by Jamia Registrar Prof Mehtab Alam Rizvi and other faculty members and guests.
Padma Shri Prof Akhtarul Wasey was the main speaker, while the programme was chaired by Prof Zubair Minai, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Prof Azra Abidi, head of the Department of Sociology, coordinated the seminar.
Language and communication were among the main themes of Begum’s address.
“I am a daughter of Urdu; Hindi raised me,” she said, while speaking about her experience with different Indian languages.
She also spoke about learning languages including Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. According to Begum, learning another language is not limited to acquiring linguistic knowledge but can help people communicate and build connections with one another.
She also spoke about her experience as an interpreter during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Tamil Nadu and said she had helped facilitate communication when leaders from northern India visited the state.
Her remarks came at a time when language has remained a subject of public and political debate in India, but her message to students focused on communication and learning rather than linguistic divisions.
Education and Skills
Begum placed particular emphasis on education, telling students that young people have an important role in shaping the country’s future.
She said education and practical skills could help young people improve their own prospects while contributing to their families, communities and the country.
She also spoke about the need for students to acquire skills linked to employment alongside religious or traditional education.
Referring to the financial difficulties faced by students preparing for competitive examinations such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, she spoke about her efforts to help students who cannot afford such preparation.
She also stressed the need to encourage women and girls to pursue education and opportunities, saying women should move forward alongside men and take part in the country’s development.
Urdu and Computer Training
Begum also recalled her earlier work providing Urdu education alongside computer training.
She said centres had been run to teach Urdu and computers to young people between the ages of 15 and 35. Referring to an initiative in Puducherry, she said a Hindu youth’s NGO had also been associated with one such centre.
The example, as presented in her address, reflected her view that education and skills should not be restricted by religious identity.
The broader theme of the Jamia seminar was the relationship between freedom and responsibility. The discussions focused on the idea that rights also carry responsibilities towards society.
Begum urged young people to maintain a positive outlook and contribute to the country’s progress. She said that progress at the national level would also benefit families, villages and communities.
The August 18 seminar brought academic discussion on freedom, civic responsibility and shared nationhood together with Begum’s focus on education, language, women’s advancement and the role of young people in society.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Culture> Editor’s Pick> India / by Clarion India / August 21st, 2026