Elevating Urdu Language and Literature; Concerted efforts by LUMS

Lahore, 1st March 2024: The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature, LUMS, hosted the launch ceremony for its first publication, a comprehensive Urdu manual, titled, the Gurmani Manual for Academic Writing (گرمانی رہ نما کتاب-علمی نثر: اصول و رسمیات). The manual has been named after Mushtaq Ahmed Gurmani, the founding member of the Gurmani Centre in acknowledgement of his efforts in supporting the vision of the centre.

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Urdu is spoken as the first language by nearly 70 million people and as second language by more than 100 million predominantly in Pakistan and India. The Centre’s contribution through The Gurmani Manual for Academic Writing will prove valuable not only for students and researchers but also for general writers and readers interested in Urdu academic prose and research writing. The publication stands as the most updated Urdu manual encompassing various aspects of academic writing, including research methodologies, plagiarism, abstract writing, punctuation, citations, bibliography, footnotes, proofreading, indexing, and editing of academic writing and research.

Since its publication last month, it has garnered a warm reception within Urdu literary and academic circles. In contrast to existing Urdu academic writing manuals that lack revisions and have become outdated, the Gurmani Manual addresses this gap by providing comprehensive coverage. Unlike English, which offers numerous guides on academic writing, there has been a notable dearth of such resources in Urdu. Recognizing this, the Gurmani Centre took the initiative to publish the most comprehensive Urdu manual.

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“The Launch of the Gurmani Manual marks a memorable moment in the history of the Gurmani Centre. This is the first yield of its Publication Cell showcasing the centre’s commitment to setting high standards for the printed word meant for both academic and public circles.” Said Dr. Nadhra Shahbaz Khan, Director Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature, LUMS.

The official book launch was attended by distinguished academics, linguists, literary experts including Vice Chancellor, LUMS, Dr. Ali Cheema, Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor, LUMS, and Ms. Tabbasum Kashmiri who presided over the session. Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar and Ms. Shaista Hassan hosted the event. Experts in Urdu academic writing and research who have contributed to the manual also joined the launch ceremony.