The minister said: 'The step taken by this university is very important to popularise Urdu language among the people. Urdu has a special place in the Mughal history of the country. I think Urdu is very special in itself.'

This programme in Urdu is on offer from July 2009. This will be by diploma and degree programmes in 2010 and 2011. M. Phil and Ph.D. courses will follow soon.

IGNOU vice chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said: 'The promotion of Urdu language is very important. We are involving many eminent professors to teach our students.'

The course will not only cater to Urdu lovers but also to people who are researching on medieval India and the freedom struggle.

Khurshid was so impressed with the programme that he expressed his desire to do the course. 'I did not get a chance to study (Urdu) due to lack of such programmes. If I get a chance, I would love to become a student of this programme,' laughed Khurshid.