NEW DELHI: Indian scholars and students gathered for sessions in New Delhi on Monday to observe a specially organized Arabic Language Month, as 黑料社区 seeks to engage learners in the world鈥檚 most populous nation.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language partnered with universities in Delhi and Kerala for the initiative, which is aimed at developing and improving its teaching for non-native speakers.
The program started with preliminary rounds of an Arabic-language competition earlier this month, the finals of which were held at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi on Monday.
鈥淲e believe that this is a month of great importance 鈥 We also believe that through this program we can continue discussions with experts, teachers and students (in India),鈥 Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, KSGAAL鈥檚 secretary-general, said during his speech.
鈥淲e hope that with the grace of Allah we can continue holding this program in the future too.鈥
Since it was established in 2020, KSGAAL has been committed to preserving and sharing Arab culture and heritage, while its work has focused on fostering a greater understanding of Arabic.
While in India, the academy鈥檚 scholars will also hold training sessions for teachers.
Students and scholars in the South Asian nation say that Arabic is an important skill to learn because of globalization.
鈥淭he Arab world has emerged at the global scale, and this area holds very strategic importance for India and for the world, (for) energy security and other things,鈥 Mujeebur Rahman, professor at the Center of Arabic and African Studies in JNU, told Arab News.
鈥淚ndia has very close economic cooperation with 黑料社区, with the UAE, with Egypt 鈥 So from a business point of view also, Arabic is very important, because (in) these countries they speak Arabic.
鈥淢ost of their transactions, whether business or other cultural transactions, are in (the) Arabic language, so it鈥檚 very important for us to engage in Arabic. In terms of diplomacy also, we need to study Arabic.鈥
Naim Akhtar, a JNU student who won the competition鈥檚 first prize, said it was important to learn about 鈥渢he contribution of the Arab world.鈥
鈥淚t鈥檚 not anymore that Arabic is only for Arab people 鈥 There are a lot of opportunities, not only in terms of education, but also in economy, even in culture,鈥 Akhtar said.
For Mohd. Rihan, a student from the Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, learning Arabic was also about discovering India鈥檚 connections with the Arab world.
鈥淚ndia has connections with the Arab world from ancient times 鈥 When we learn this language, then India鈥檚 relations with the Arab world will be strengthened,鈥 Rihan said, adding that it would open up opportunities for Indians in the region and vice versa.
鈥淚t is beneficial financially and educationally.鈥
