Urdu Science Board

Urdu Science Board
اردو سائنس بورڈ
AbbreviationUSB
Formation1962 May 24; 62 years ago (24-05-1962)
FounderGovernment of Pakistan
TypeGovernment institution
PurposePublication of scientific and technical literature in Urdu
HeadquartersLahore, Pakistan
Official language
Urdu
Director
Ziaullah Khan Toru
Parent organization
National Heritage and Culture Division

Urdu Science Board (abbreviated as USB) is an academic and literary institution in Pakistan that operates under the National Heritage and Culture Division, Government of Pakistan. It aims to promote scientific and technical knowledge in Urdu language through the publication of books and journals.[1]

History

The Urdu Science Board was initially established as the Central Urdu Board on 24 May 1962, based on the recommendations of the Sharif Commission (1959). The institution was renamed Urdu Science Board in 1982 to reflect its focus on publishing science and social sciences content in Urdu.[2][3]

Its former director generals include Ashfaq Ahmed,[4][5] Amjad Islam Amjad,[6][7] Khalid Iqbal Yasir,[8] and Nasir Abbas Nayyar.[2][9]

Former directors include Ikram Chughtai[10] and Abdul Ghafur Rashid,[11] while the current director is Ziaullah Khan Toru.[12][13][14]

Objectives

The key objectives of the Urdu Science Board include:

  • Publishing science and technical books in Urdu to promote the use of Urdu in education.[14]
  • Expanding the Urdu language by developing terminologies for scientific and technical subjects.[15]
  • Supporting national development by providing accessible scientific knowledge in the national language.[16]

Publications

The board has published over 700 books on various topics, including science, social sciences, history, children’s literature, and technical education. Notable publications include:

  • Urdu Science Encyclopedia[17][12]
  • Dictionaries and glossaries for scientific and technical terms.[18]

The board has been regularly publishing a quarterly magazine titled Urdu Science Magazine since 2002.[19]

Initiatives

The board has undertaken several initiatives:

  • Launched the Urdu Science Kitab Ghar, a display center for publications.[14][12][20]
  • Initiated mobile bookshops to promote books in educational institutions and remote areas.[2]
  • Introduced the Urdu Science Award, an annual recognition for outstanding scientific manuscripts.[2][21]

Challenges

The board has faced financial constraints, resulting in some books being out of print. Despite these challenges, it remains committed to promoting scientific knowledge in Urdu.[15]

Significance

The Urdu Science Board has played a vital role in making science accessible to the general public and promoting the Urdu language in academia and technical fields.[14]

References

  1. ^ Farooqi, Musharraf Ali (2024-08-25). "COLUMN: RETHINKING LEARNED BODIES". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  2. ^ a b c d Aslam, Irfan (2019-03-17). "Urdu Science Board in peril". Dawn (Newspaper). Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  3. ^ "اہلِ پاکستان کو قریب لانے اور باہمی یگانگت پیدا کرنے کے لئے کوشاں ہیں" [They are striving to bring the people of Pakistan closer and create mutual unity.]. Daily Pakistan. 2017-02-15. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 2025-01-12.
  4. ^ Jabri, Parvez (2015-09-07). "Legendary writer Ashfaq Ahmad remembered". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  5. ^ "Literary icon Ashfaq Ahmad's death anniversary today". Dunya News. 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  6. ^ "Amjad Islam Amjad". Karachi Literature Festival.Org. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  7. ^ "Candid chat with Amjad Islam Amjad". Pakistan Today. 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  8. ^ "Khalid Iqbal new DG of Urdu Science Board". The Nation. 2011-08-27. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  9. ^ "Nasir Abbas Nayyar". Karachi Literature Festival. Archived from the original on 5 December 2023. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  10. ^ Mughal, Fauzia (27 January 2023). "Muhammad Ikram Chughtai". Tarjeehat: Online Research Journal (in Urdu). Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  11. ^ "اردو سائنس بورڈ لاہور میں ترقیاتی و تعارفی تقریب" [Development and introductory ceremony at Urdu Science Board Lahore]. Nawa-i-waqt (in Urdu). 2010-07-31. Archived from the original on 11 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  12. ^ a b c "'Public libraries to be equipped with modern facilities'". The News International. 27 July 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  13. ^ "Director Urdu Science Board Lahore Ziaullah Khan giving a briefing to caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah". Associated Press of Pakistan. 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  14. ^ a b c d "USB to offer translation, research internships". The News International. 20 October 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  15. ^ a b Parekh, Rauf (2015-05-25). "Literary notes: should we forget the Constitution's Article 251?". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  16. ^ Parekh, Rauf (2023-10-23). "literary notes: Poet Zafar Iqbal and his well-deserved Kamal-i-Fun Award". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  17. ^ "Pakistan: Hausbesuch beim Hassprediger" [Pakistan: Home visit to the hate preacher]. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). 2010-08-21. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  18. ^ "Moot highlights role of Urdu language in Pakistan movement". The News International. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  19. ^ "Urdu Science Board :: Ministry of Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage (National Heritage & Integration Wing) :: Government of Pakistan". Archived from the original on 2014-06-28. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  20. ^ "اُردُو سائنس کتاب گھر" [Urdu Science Bookstore]. Daily Pakistan. 2017-10-23. Archived from the original on 11 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
  21. ^ "اردو سائنس بورڈ کے تحت بہترین سائنسی کتب و تراجم کےلیے انعامات کی تقریب" [Awards ceremony for the best scientific books and translations under the Urdu Science Board]. Daily Express. 2019-04-27. Retrieved 2025-01-12.