'Whose Hindi, Whose Urdu?' – this is the theme of an open discussion with deputy editor of The Wire Hindi, Meenakshi Tewari. The debate challenges the flawed notion that Urdu belongs solely to Muslims. Urdu emerged from the shared culture, history, and exchanges of the Indian subcontinent, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others collectively shaped the language. To associate it exclusively with one religion is not only historically inaccurate but also diminishes the cultural and literary richness of the language. This discussion aims to break that prejudice and reclaim Urdu as what it truly is – a shared heritage of India.

Watch the full discussion.

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