SIALKOT: A Japanese professor has stressed the need for promotion of Urdu and Japanese languages for developing friendly contacts between the people of the two countries.

Prof So Yamane Yasir, a senior Urdu professor at the Osaka University, is part of a delegation visiting Pakistan.

Speaking to the participants in a seminar on promotion of Urdu and Japanese languages in Pakistan and Japan held at the University of Gujrat (UoG) Sialkot Campus auditorium on Tuesday, he claimed that the Urdu language was being taught in Japanese universities for the last century and people were now taking keen interest in learning the language.

He won admiration from the audience for a verse “Phailti Jaey Gi Urdu Koo Baku, Beej Uska Dil Mein Bhi Bona Chahiey” (the Urdu language will be spreading everywhere, the seeds of Urdu should also be sown in the hearts of the people). He also sang Allama Iqbal and won plaudits.

Japanese students of Iqbaliyat from Osaka University namely Ms Yuka Takeda, Ms Mariko Mori, Ms Kaori Harada, Ms Kana Okumura, Ms Saio Yagura, Ms Akari Imanishi, Ms Erika Kagava, Mr Takashi Ushiqomi and Mr Tenshin Tamura recited Iqbal’s poetry in their melodious voices.

The Japanese delegation later visited Iqbal Manzil and showed keen interest in the rare pictures of the poet, his companions and members of family. They expressed their delight to be at the birthplace of Iqbal.

Prof Yasir highlighted various aspects of the life, poetry and personality of Allama Iqbal. The Japanese students also had a breakfast of traditional Halwa Puri at Iqbal Manzil.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play