The Anjuman-i-Taraqqi-i-Urdu, which is one of the oldest educational organizations dedicated to the promotion of the Urdu language, held its general body meeting the other day at the Urdu Bagh, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, where members approved constitutional amendments and elected a new governing body.
Established in 1903, the organization has played a pivotal role in preserving Urdu’s rich literary heritage. It emerged at a time when Urdu faced growing linguistic and political challenges, making the Anjuman a key institution for safeguarding the language.
The Anjuman was founded under the guidance of renowned educationist and reformer Maulvi Abdul Haq, popularly known as Baba-e-Urdu. Over the decades, Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu has undertaken a wide range of initiatives.
It has published thousands of books, dictionaries, journals and research papers covering literature, history, science, philosophy and the social sciences. The organization has also organized literary conferences, seminars, workshops and cultural events to encourage scholarly debate and creative writing.
Today, Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu continues to serve as a guardian of Urdu language and culture. Despite the challenges posed by globalization and the growing dominance of English, the organization remains committed to promoting reading, research and literary excellence.
Its enduring legacy reflects the timeless importance of preserving linguistic heritage while adapting to the changing demands of the modern world.
Rehan Farooqui (Karachi)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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