Faiz Ahmed Faiz described translation of poetry as "a formidable task when languages are as far removed from each other in cultural background, rhythmic and formal patterns and vocabulary of symbols allusion as English and Urdu". K.C. Kanda, retired Professor of English and M.A. in Urdu, has undertaken the 'formidable task' undauntingly to introduce Urdu poetry to non-Urdu- knowing people in English translation.

This is his sixth volume of selected Urdu poetry in eight years - a truly prodigious effort. Its predecessors were books of masterpieces of Urdu ghazal, of rubaiyat and of nazm, an anthology of ghazals and selected work of Mir Taqi Mir.

He (begins with) Firaq Gorakhpuri (born 1896) and downs (ends with) Praveen Shakir (born 1952). There are ninety-four ghazals and nazms of thirty-three poets of the sub-continent ...

In his attempt to select the best he has succeeded by and large. Since any selection is guided by the selector's taste and temperament it should be accepted without a demur. Kanda has maintained near-balance between the classicists and the progressives.

Besides the well-known Firaq, Josh, Meeraji, Rashid, Majaz and Faiz, he has also chosen. Jazbi (ghazal) and Akhtar-ul-Imam (nazm) masters in their own right but not so popular. Similarly, he has included Sikandar Ali Wajd, Majid Amjad, Ehsaan Danish, Taban, Nazir Kazmi, Munir Niazi, Ahmed Faraz, Nida Fazli, Kishwar Naheed and Praveen among others. Ali Sardar Jafri, is there with four longish poems, including 'Mera Safar' and 'Ek Khwab Aur'.

For some critics, the temptation to pick holes in translation is irresistible. No translation can be cent per cent faithful to a text. One should judge such work with understanding and compassion, not with the help of a dictionary.

Status of Additional Official Language in Delhi Shahabuddin's Letter to Delhi CM, 1 January, 1999

With reference to our conversation regarding the purposes for which the Additional Official Languages may be used, I find that in Bihar and UP the following purposes have been specified.

1. Acceptance of petitions and application from the public in Urdu and response thereto in Urdu.

2. Acceptance of documents written in Urdu for registration by the Registration authorities.

3. Publication of important Laws and Regulations and declarations also in Urdu.

4. Publication of Government Circulars and Orders of public importance also in Urdu.

5. Release of important Government advertisements also in Urdu.

6. Publication of Urdu translation of the official Gazette.

7. Placement of signboards and name-plates in government offices and public places also in Urdu.

You may like to consider a parallel legislation.