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New Delhi, Jan 5 (ANI): Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said that a new vision and a national strategy is needed in order to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the urdu language, literature and the art forms like calligraphy.

Speaking at the 18th meeting of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) here, Sibal underlined that we need to preserve the past and at the same time need to make the study of Urdu relevant as regards, the aspiration of the youth.

He pointed out that the government is preparing a National Vocational Educational Qualification Frame work, wherein efforts will be made to associate vocational education with this effort.

“Promotion of liberal arts associated with the urdu language like calligraphy, painting, ghazal singing etc. will be put on fast track,” said Sibal and appreciated the efforts of the NCPUL in creating greater linkages between Urdu and Arabic/Persian, which are required.

In response to a suggestion, he agreed that a meeting between the NCPUL and the ICCR would be held to encourage access for those in foreign countries to Urdu study available in India.

Responding to queries that there exists a shortage of urdu teachers, Sibal said: “This matter would be take up in the meeting of State Education Ministers to be held later this month.”

To prepare an ‘Approach Paper’, in this regard, three interactive sessions have been held with eminent personalities connected with Urdu language, literature and culture.

These were presided over by K. Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha on March 12, 2010, Prof. Shamsur Rehman Farugi, noted scholar on August 2, 2010 and Dr. Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, Member, Planning Commission on December 28, 2010. (ANI)