Agra/Faizan Khan
Born and raised in the sub-continent, the Urdu language is very much an Indian language yet many people like to associate it with Muslims.
Breaking this common myth here is Baijnath Sharma, Priests of the Sanatan Dharma Mandir Sabha, located in the main market of Agra, Sadar Bazar in Uttar Pradesh. He is one of Urdu aficionados who relish the poetry of Mir, Nazir and Ghalib.
Baijnath Sharma has the best collection of rare Urdu book in the temple library alongside books in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Sanskrit.
Urdu lovers can take pride In the library and its curator’s love for the language..
Interestingly, during the community religious discourses in the temple, Baijnath recites Gita and Ram Charit Manas in Urdu and not the usual Hindi.
As against Baijnath’s love for the language of poetry and fine tastes, Urdu writers in India complain about the decline of the language and believe it’s government’s role to promote it. Like Baijnath, they too have the responsibility to promote Urdu and not just go to seminars and talk about its past glory.
The Sanatan Dharma Temple library has more than 8,000 books; Urdu collection too has its place of pride in it.
Among the Urdu books in the library is Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Ram Charit Manas, Important Hindu books.
This library is a great resource for research scholars.
The Amritsar-born Baijnath Sharma, says, “Urdu was once the main language of the country. That's why I also did BA Honors in Urdu. There was an atmosphere of Urdu in my house too. I wrote many ghazals in Urdu.”
His talk shows have been broadcast on All Indidia Radio. “I wrote my most famous Ghazal Nathula on the lives of soldiers in Urdu,” he says.
Speaking with Awaz the Voice, Baijnath says Urdu is not the language of any particular caste, religion or community; it’s an Indian language, derived from Hindi and Persian. Some people have associated it with Muslims, which is very wrong.
Some of the rare books are in his library are:
Ram Charit Manas
Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta
Galiab's poetry
Sajjade Khudi
Rubaru
Mata-e-Ghalib
Baj Garat
Atti Shaver.
Fun Shayar
London ka safar
Khushi de Habuji
Valemay
Sharam ka jism aur dimag par Asar
Kashsavane
Diwan-e-Ghalib
Atish-e-gul
Ghazal Maan
Dastey sang
Sheikh Chilly ki kahani