Professor Khawaja Muhammad Ekramuddin is a highly esteemed academic and literary figure known for his significant contributions to Urdu language and literature. He has served as a Professor of Urdu at the Center of Indian Languages, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and has been recognized internationally for his scholarly achievements. With 23 published books, some of which are included in university syllabi in India and abroad, Professor Khawaja Ekram has been honored with numerous awards from countries such as Japan, Denmark, Germany, and Turkey, as well as various academic and literary institutions in India. 

He has been a prominent figure in the field of Urdu language and literature, known for his tireless efforts in promoting and advancing the Urdu language in the modern digital age. Born on December 25, 1964, in the Indian state of Jharkhand, Professor Khawaja Ekram obtained BA, MA, MPhil degrees in Urdu from various colleges and universities, along with an advanced diploma in mass media, and a PhD in Urdu language and literature. He is proficient in multiple languages, including Urdu, English, Hindi, Arabic, and Persian.

Services in the Field of Digital Technology: As the Director of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, Professor Khawaja Ekramuddin has made significant contributions in connecting Urdu with new technology. Under his leadership, several initiatives were launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology to promote the use of Urdu in the digital sphere. These initiatives include the Online Urdu Learning Program in collaboration with CIL Mysore, the launch of Urdu India Keyboard for Windows and Android in collaboration with IT Ministry, the release of twelve naskh fonts of Urdu and one Nastaliq font in collaboration with IT Ministry, the launch of Urdupedia (www.urdupedia.in) in association with C-Dec, the digitization of books of the National Council in collaboration with CDEC, and the establishment of the Online Urdu Digital Library under the National Council. Professor Khawaja Ekramuddin also initiated the “DREAM” (Diploma in Repair of Electronic Appliances and Maintenance) program and the “Paper Mashi” course to promote the Kashmiri industry. He also launched software for online monitoring of the Center of National Council, enabling efficient management and supervision of activities related to Urdu language promotion.

In addition to his contributions in the field of digital technology, Professor Khawaja Ekramuddin has been actively engaged in various educational activities to promote Urdu language and literature. He initiated an online Urdu learning program for learners all over the world, which has gained popularity worldwide. He has also been serving as the President of the World Urdu Association, a non-governmental autonomous organization aimed at connecting and collaborating with Urdu teachers, scholars, poets, fiction writers, journalists, students, and writers in different parts of the world. The World Urdu Association strives to encourage the new generation of writers and poets, provide resources for promotion and publication of books by Urdu Migrated writers, commentaries on new Urdu books, and exploration of access possibilities, as well as the preparation of an encyclopedia based on Migrated writers.

Academic Background:

Dr. Ekramuddin holds an impressive academic qualification. He has completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, M.Phil, and Ph.D. in Urdu, showcasing his deep understanding and knowledge of the language. He has also pursued advanced diploma courses in Urdu Mass-Media and PG Diploma in Urdu Translation and Mass Media, demonstrating his diverse range of expertise in various aspects of Urdu language and literature.

Professional Career:

Currently, Dr. Ekramuddin is a Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India, where he is associated with the Centre of Indian Languages, School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies. He has been instrumental in using modern technology to adapt the teaching and learning process to the demands of the rapidly changing world. His innovative approaches and research in incorporating technology into Urdu language education have garnered widespread recognition and have been highly influential in promoting the language in the digital age.

Published Works:

One of Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin’s notable works is “Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqi ke Usloob ka Tanqidi Motala” (1994), which critically examines the writing style of Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqi, a renowned Urdu  literary figure. In “Naw-e-Azad” (1998), Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin presents a collection of Persian poetry by A. A. Azad, shedding light on the poetic genius of this lesser-known poet. In “Urdu ke Sheiri Asnaf” (1999), he delves into different genres of Urdu poetry, providing insights into their forms, themes, and evolution over time.

Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin has also made significant contributions to the field of literary criticism. “Taaruf-o-Tanqid” (2006) is a comprehensive work that is full of insights about his literary understanding, providing readers with a solid foundation in the subject. In “Diwaan-e-Shani” (2007), he presents a critical edition of a Persian manuscript by Shani, a renowned poet of the 18th century, shedding light on his poetic style and linguistic nuances.

In addition to his critical works, Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin has also translated and edited several important works of literature. “Islami Tareekh ke Aham Shahar” (2007) is a translation of a book on Islamic history from English to Urdu, showcasing his prowess in translating complex historical texts. “1857 Pahli Jang-e-Aazadi (se motalliq Urdu-Farsi Zakhire ka Tanqidi Jaeza)” (2019) is a critical analysis of a Persian manuscript on the First War of Indian Independence, providing valuable insights into this historical event.

Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin has also explored the relationship between Urdu language and media in his works. “Urdu Media” (2012) and its second edition (2014) discuss the evolution, challenges, and impact of Urdu media in the contemporary era, shedding light on the role of language in shaping media discourse. In “Urdu Zban ke Nae Takniki Wsaeal aur Imanak” (2012), he discusses the latest technological advancements and their impact on Urdu language and literature, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of Urdu language and its challenges.

Apart from his critical and scholarly works, Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin has also edited and compiled several books that reflect the diversity and richness of Urdu literature. “Ekiswin Sadi mein Urdu: Farogh aur Imkan” (2014) is a collection of essays by different scholars that discuss the growth and possibilities of Urdu literature in the 21st century. “Tahqiqi Mazamin 2021” (2021) is an edited book that features critical essays on various literary topics, showcasing the depth and breadth of Khwaja Muhammad Ekramuddin’s scholarly interests.

Awards and Distinctions:

Dr. Ekramuddin’s scholarly contributions and dedication to the promotion of Urdu language and literature have been recognized and honored with several prestigious awards and distinctions. Some of the notable awards he has received include the Alaa Hazrat Ashrafi Award in New Delhi (2021), Haider Tabatbai Award in Germany (2018), Sufi Jameel Akhtar Award in Kolkata (2018), Iqbal Award in Frankfurt, Germany (2016), Outstanding Achievement Award in Turkey (2016), and Nishan-e-Imteyaz from Urdu Science Congress Aligarh (2016), among others. These awards are a testament to his unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the field of Urdu language and literature.

Academic Tours and International Engagements:

Dr. Ekramuddin’s scholarly work and advocacy for the Urdu language have taken him to various countries around the world. He has been invited as a guest speaker, participant, and representative of Urdu language and literature to conferences, seminars, and workshops in America, Japan, Turkey, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, and Mauritius. His international engagements have helped in raising awareness and promoting the Urdu language at the global level, and he continues to actively participate in academic and cultural exchanges to further the cause of Urdu language and literature.

Khawaja Muhammad Ekramuddin’s unwavering dedication, profound knowledge, and significant contributions to the promotion of Urdu language