With the success of the 4th edition of INTEKHAB-O-LUGHAT, which was compiled by
the late Mr. Sultan Nathani and published soon after his demise in 1992, we had come
out with the 5th edition of the book, which contained only the LUGHAT (Dictionary) part.

However, the demand to include INTEKHAB (Urdu-Hindi verses) was pouring in from
many Urdu enthusiasts. We had therefore in the 6th edition decided to include these
verses once again. This is the 7th edition. The subjects in INTEKHAB are varied and
we hope it will receive the same response as our earlier edition.

With the expansion of TV media in the Asian sub-continent, especially in India and
Middle Eastern countries and Indian programes being televised in the U.K. and Europe,
the understanding of Urdu language has become a necessity to enjoy ghazals, film
lyrics, TV serial and stage performances.

This book is published by NATHANI TRUST which was founded in 1968 with the basic
object of providing educational scholarships and awards to the needy students without
any bar on caste or creed.

One of the aims of the Trust has been primarily to work for national integration and break
the barrier between different languages. With this aim in mind the Trust is bringing out
English-Urdu dictionaries, which have helped in popularising and understanding of the
Urdu language for ghazal lovers.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards further assisting the needy
students from the lower income group.

Nathani Trust, September, 2003              

With the run-away success of earlier editions and to meet the unprecedented demand for
the book, it has been felt necessary to come out with the 7th edition. The main purpose
of this series of URDU FOR PLEASURE is for popularising spoken Urdu, which has a
charismatic effect and a grace of its own.

Prior to Independence, maximum number of journals and newspapers published in India
were in Urdu language. After the partition of India, Urdu has suffered a setback in India
due to continuous misgivings that it is the language of Muslims. Urdu continues to be
one of the officially recognised languages of India.

The main hurdle with Urdu is that it is written in Persian script. Today, Persian script is
definitely a foreign script for Indians and a divisive element in the way of national
integration. During the 15th century Persian was the script of Moghul Royalty. There is
no difference between Urdu and Hindi as they are dramatically similar. As a matter of
fact, Muslims must demand that Urdu must be taught in Hindi script in their own interest
as well as in the country's interest.

Urdu does not belong to any region or to any religion. It got developed by the natives
speaking Brij Bhasha coming continuously in contact with Moghul army's camps during
their rule. The word Urdu means 'Army Camp'. This contact and communication between
the natives of Northern India and Moghul soldiers developed into the Urdu language. It is
not developed by any Pundits or Molvis. It is a people's language born in Delhi and purely
an Indian language. No less a person than India's renowned journalist Khushwant Singh
has said that Urdu is a Kohinoor among Indian languages. Today, it is the soul of the
Indian film industry and the basic language for ghazals, film lyrics and stage
performances.

Well-known poet Josh Malihabadi had expressed his opinion that in India, Urdu must
adopt Hindi script in the interest of Urdu language, Urdu literature and in national interest.
Also, well-known poet Firaq Gorakhpuri and film-script writer Masoon Rahi Raza had
publicly advocated that Urdu must be written in Hindi script in India. Hindi script would be
the unification of two languages and spoken Urdu will remain pure and chase as it is
spoken now. The unification would require a minor change of adding z in Hindi alphabet.

Not withstanding, a noticeable decline in the percentage of Urdu knowing people, there is
little decline in the popularity of Urdu ghazals. In recent years, there has been remarkable
increase in the interest in ghazals as can be evidenced by the rise of numerous ghazal
singers at cultural gatherings, private parties, television shows and records and audio
cassettes being marketed.

A visit to a ghazal concert will prove how some ghazal enthusiasts eagerly jot down the
words in their own language so as to refer to them at home to be able to understand the
full meaning of the verse. To such ghazal enthusiasts, this book will be a boon.

With the permission of Janab Kaifi Azami, we have reproduced the Foreword, which was
written by him for our 4th edition. In this, he has also expressed his opinion for change of
Persian script to the need of present time.

Nathani Trust, September, 2003              

"This book has brought the light of friendship and love in the hearts of people speaking
different languages. This book has become invaluable."

Ali Sardar Jafri              

"This book has indeed opened the door to a richer understanding of the many
splendoured elegance of Urdu language for the pleasure of Ghazal lovers who relish and
enjoy the sweet temper and fascinating lyricism of Urdu poetry but do not fully
understand the finer nuances and meaning in depth."

Dilip Kumar              

"Audience will now have a reference book to be able to understand the delicate beauty
and meaning of the romantic couplets, thereby increasing the pleasure of Ghazals."

Talat Mahmood              

"This is a great service to Urdu and Urdu lovers. The popularity of Urdu poetry needs this
type of contribution."

Jagjitsingh              

"I must compliment and congratulate on this massive effort of compiling difficult Urdu
words and making it easy for people who have great love for this language but are unable
to read or write this beautiful language."

Pankaj Udhas              

"Urdu is the most musical of all languages in the world. It is India's most priceless
heritage, more valuable than the Koh-i-noor and the Taj Mahal. We must not let it die out.
This dictionary will go a long way in restoring it to health."

Khuswant Singh