New Delhi, July 24, - If learning Urdu and understanding the rich literary heritage written in the language was on your mind, then here is your chance -- the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Friday announced a certificate programme to popularise the language.

Launched by Minister of State for Corporate and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid, the course is meant for those who want to know how to read, write and speak correct Urdu.

'Urdu is a minority community's language. But there are many people who don't know Urdu because of different mother tongue but they have a keen interest in learning Urdu. This programme is for such people,' said Khurshid after launching the programme.

The course deals with speaking, reading, writing and understanding skills in Urdu and facilitates communicative skills in the language as well. The certificate course also inducts students in literature appreciation.

A few highlights from the syllabus are women in Urdu literature, elements of Urdu structure, forms of Urdu, diasporic Urdu literature, oral tradition of Urdu literature, sociology of Literature and many more interesting topics.