An unnecessary controversy

Sindh University caters to different ethnic groups and has been subject to similar controversies

The University of Sindh got embroiled in a new controversy recently after it issued an official notification stating that all signboards and building titles at Sindh University would be in bilingual format (Sindhi and English). The implication here was that no such signboard or title would be in Urdu.

The vice-chancellor, in his notification also added, “All concerned heads are requested to take necessary action in this pursuit.” The suggestion here was possibly that the change should take place as soon as possible.

Sindh University – which caters to different ethnic groups, has in the past also been subject to similar controversies over the use of language. Given the background, the notification received much attention in the broadcast media. Reports criticised the university for ordering signboards only in English and Sindhi languages, while completely ignoring Urdu. This wasn’t entirely true but who would let facts get in the way of a good story?

Following the hype created in the media over the issue, the hapless vice-chancellor of the university issued a statement to defend his position. Dr Burfat stated that the university “could not imagine ignoring the national language – Urdu”, adding that media reports were all part of a propaganda.

But this did not satisfy the media. Within a day or two, news of the notification went viral. It was the centre of attention for television channels and spread like wildfire on social media. This, in turn, sparked political outrage from some quarters.

Succumbing to the public reaction, the university then issued a new notification regarding the official language for its signboards with the addition of Urdu in it.

“In partial modification of notification No SU/G396 dated April 17, 2018, it is notified for general information of all that the signboards and building titles at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro and all its campuses, in addition to the national language, shall be in multilingual format (Urdu, Sindhi, and English). Given that the university had not intended to remove Urdu in the first place, this was more of a step to appease the media and other quarters.

For its part, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) – Pakistan’s Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Khawaja Izharul Hasan issued a statement saying that the notification signified a mindset of slavery. “Urdu is our national language,” he said, adding that the notification is against the dreams of Quaid-i-Azam. Pak Sarzameen Party Chairperson Mustafa Kamal termed the notification a conspiracy against the Sindhi population. Both statements do not seem to make much sense.

Given the confusion, Dr Burfat told the media that signboards were already in English and Urdu, and hence the special mention of Urdu language in the notification was not felt.

If the intention of the university was to add Sindhi to the two languages, one cannot see anything wrong with that. If signboards cannot be written in Sindhi in the Sindh province, where else would they be written?

One is reminded of the media campaign that turned into a public uprising in urban parts of Sindh when then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto wanted to introduce Sindhi in schools across the province. Given the role played by some leading newspapers (there were no private TV channels then), the government had to backtrack.

The Sindhi language continues to be neglected by the people of the province.  It is somewhat strange that the native language of the province cannot be introduced without a hue and cry by different quarters. What is even stranger is that in Sindh, most residents of the province in the urban areas cannot read or write the language. This is a shame. Imagine doing away with Pashto in K-P.

While we are ready to import foreign cultures and languages – whether it is those who ape the West or those who want to impose Saudi norms on our country, why can we not celebrate who we are?

In many ways, as a nation, we confuse nationalism and provincial autonomy. If we are to grow as a nation, we have to promote our regional languages and cultures. There is nothing wrong with that. A popular slogan of a neighbouring state is “Unity in Diversity.” We are a diverse nation. Cultures and traditions of Pakistan are rich and varied. We cannot insist on one language or culture alone. That is the beauty of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2018.

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