Dr. Qazi S Azher from USA Appeals for Government Attention to Urdu Schools in Bengaluru

Dr. R Abdul Hameed, Scholar in Urdu Folk-Lore, Retired KAS Officer, Social Reformer, Educator and Chairman, Azm Academy with Dr. Qazi S Azher, Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University, United States of America at Azm Academy in Bengaluru.

Dated 31st July 2025

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Bengaluru – Dr. Qazi S Azher, Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University, USA, who is on a visit to India and visited Urdu Schools in Bengaluru along with Dr. R Abdul Hameed of Azm Academy has raised serious concerns about the condition of Urdu schools in Bengaluru. Speaking at Azm Academy, Bengaluru he urged the Karnataka government and education department to protect and promote mother tongue education.

Dr. Azher, who himself studied in an Urdu school until high school, said he visited three Urdu schools in the city and was heartbroken by what he saw. “One school was nearly closed. Only because a nearby mosque gave a few rooms to the students, the number of children increased from 5 to around 15-20. It was a kind gesture by the community,” he said.

However, the other two schools were in a miserable condition, he added. “Both were functioning in rented buildings with just two rooms and one bathroom. The property owners are asking them to vacate, which could result in closure. If no support or donations are provided, these schools will vanish soon,” Dr. Azher said.

Image Source : Azm Academy

Dr. Azher strongly promoted mother tongue education—whether it is Kannada, Marathi, Urdu or other languages. “The aim of education is to help students understand. If they cannot understand the language, then learning is not possible. Hence, mother tongue education is also more important.” He said.

He also pointed out that these Urdu schools are functioning in private rented spaces. “Why is the government not giving its own buildings or land for these schools?

All images source : Azm Academy

Dr. Qazi also stated that children who studied in their mother tongue performed better academically. “Every year on 21st February, we observe Mother Tongue Day. But are we really respecting our mother tongues?” he asked.

In conclusion, Dr. Qazi S Azher appealed to the Karnataka Government and the Department of Education to immediately intervene and take concrete steps to protect Urdu schools and promote education in mother tongue. “This is not just about Urdu. It’s about every child’s right to learn in their own language,” he said.

Dr. B R Abdul Wajid of CHANNEL PRISM and Editor in Chief, The Deccan Front was felicitated by Dr. R Abdul Hameed, Chairman, Azm Academy along with Dr. Qazi S Azher from United States of America at Azm Academy, Bengaluru.