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SALISBURY, MD---As an English literature major, ºÚÁÏÍø student Hira Shahbaz enjoys the works of Urdu poets and writers.

“In the versions I read, much is lost during the transliteration and translation processes,” she explained. “I strive to interpret and experience the splendor of such poets as Muhammad Iqbal in the original script.”

This summer she will build on her Urdu comprehension, and explore a region close to her heritage, as she travels abroad to India on a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“I am of South Asian descent and my maternal grandparents are from India,” she said. “I hope to improve my Urdu skills, but I am also excited to explore a region very personal to me. I’ll be gaining greater understanding of the various cultural values and beliefs that culminate in the city of Lucknow.”

A junior from Salisbury, Shahbaz will spend two months immersed in intensive language courses at the American Institute of Indian Studies. The scholarship provides graduate and undergraduate students funding for all program costs, including orientation, airfare, classes, room and board, travel, activities and a stipend.

 “As Salisbury students continue to build their interest in globalism and the study of global languages, opportunities like this scholarship are invaluable,” said Dr. Kristen Walton, director of SU’s Nationally Competitive Fellowships Office. “Hira not only will build her skills, but it also paves the way for her to acquire a South Asian Studies minor.”

“I think it’s extremely important to gain an understanding of different languages,” Shahbaz said. “I’m an ardent believer in cosmopolitanism and global community, and a comprehension of any language beyond one’s own is a laudable and enriching skill.”

Shahbaz knows some Urdu already, as her parents are native speakers.

“Khushi, which means happiness, really resonates with me and has become a part of my vocabulary because of how often it was said throughout my youth,” she said. “When I envision and recall my childhood, the word encapsulates snapshots of innocence, bliss and adventure. It’s also often sang in South Asian ballads and Bollywood songs, so it takes on a lyrical nature, as well.”

Shahbaz credits Walton, as well as Drs. Joseph Venosa and Shruti Patel of the History Department, with mentoring her.

“I wouldn’t be successful if not for their dedication and encouragement, and commitment to student growth,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in my courses learning about the influences of the Mughal Empire, so it’s going to be a thrilling experience to witness firsthand the Islamic architecture and heritage of the Mughals.”

Today, according to the CLS program, the languages of Urdu and Hindi are spoken by almost a billion people across Pakistan and India. Urdu is critical because of the South Asian region’s growing role in international affairs and various career fields.

Shahbaz is SU’s second CLS recipient since 2016. She also is an alternate for a national Boren Scholarship to India. More than 40 SU students have won national and international fellowships, scholarships and awards in the past five years.

For information on applying for such opportunities, SU students or alumni may email Walton at or visit www.salisbury.edu/nationalfellowships

Editor's note: After this story was published, Shahbaz also learned that she earned a Boren Scholarship, which she planned to accept in lieu of the CLS.