URDU needs to be the medium of instruction in schools in Pakistan if for no other reason than at least for knowing Iqbal’s and Ghalib’s poetry. The former is an epitome of our historical culture and the latter depicts the social culture of the subcontinent.

Unless our children know our culture and history, they cannot be expected to practise them in their lives.

Most of educated parents these days are sending their children to English medium schools.

These schools do not care to promote proficiency in Urdu. Our Urdu medium schools at least give basic education in Urdu poetry and literature. Children going to these schools have greater chance of knowing their culture by reading Urdu poetry and literature.

However, unfortunately Urdu medium school’s standard of education is not up to the mark. Thus, our children suffer in any case.

Prof (Dr) Arifa Farid

Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 21th, 2014