At Tehzeeb Urdu Institute, we believe that Urdu is more than just a language—it’s an identity, a heritage, and a cultural touchstone for South Asians, especially those in the diaspora.
Our mission is to ignite a passion for the Urdu language and culture, helping individuals reconnect with their roots and deepen their understanding of this rich tradition.
Urdu is not only one of the youngest languages in the world, but it is also a unique blend of influences from Turkey, Iran, the Middle East, and South Asia. This fusion has created a language that embodies the diversity and history of these regions, making it a core part of our collective identity.
Tehzeeb Urdu Institute is dedicated to exploring the many facets of Urdu culture and etiquette. From poetry to prose, from historical narratives to modern expressions, we want to explore all the aspects that make Urdu a vibrant and living tradition. Whether you’re fluent in Urdu or just beginning to explore its beauty, we invite you to embark on this journey with us to rediscover your mother tongue. Because even if you don’t speak it every day, you live it every day.
Join us at Tehzeeb Urdu Institute, where learning Urdu is about more than words—it’s about rediscovering who you are. Let us spark your curiosity and love for the Urdu language, and together, we’ll celebrate the rich tapestry of our shared cultural heritage.
Farhana Arastu is the co-founder of the Tehzeeb Urdu Institute, where she combines personal experience and cultural passion to promote Urdu within the South Asian diaspora. Born and raised in the United States, Farhana’s connection to Urdu was cultivated informally—at home through conversations, dramas, films, and music, and enriched by evenings spent listening to poetry or having Urdu novels read aloud by friends and family.
Without access to formal Urdu schooling, Farhana often found it challenging to navigate traditional learning resources. This personal journey sparked her commitment to making the language more approachable for others like her. Together with co-founder Zuleqa, she launched the Tehzeeb Urdu Institute to create inclusive, culturally grounded spaces that celebrate and teach Urdu through literature, poetry, and shared storytelling.
Farhana believes that language is more than communication—it’s heritage, identity, and belonging. Through Tehzeeb, she is helping bridge generations and geographies, inviting the South Asian diaspora to rediscover the richness of Urdu.
Zuleqa Husain is the co-founder of Tehzeeb Urdu Institute. She is a lover of Urdu poetry and Shaam e Ghazal nights. She has hosted Poetry Mehfils in her home, worked as an Urdu linguist, Urdu TV reporter, and translator. She has taught courses like “Why the Wah Wah!” in Urdu literature.
Farhana Arastu is her co-conspirator in this effort, as both together have launched this institute to bring the ‘lutf’ of the Urdu zabaan to audiences in the 21st century. Zuleqa lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband Khizer, someone as wise and youthful as his namesake.
Zuleqa Husain is the co-founder of Tehzeeb Urdu Institute. She is a lover of Urdu poetry and Shaam e Ghazal nights. She has hosted Poetry Mehfils in her home, worked as an Urdu linguist, Urdu TV reporter, and translator. She has taught courses like “Why the Wah Wah!” in Urdu literature.
Farhana Arastu is her co-conspirator in this effort, as both together have launched this institute to bring the ‘lutf’ of the Urdu zabaan to audiences in the 21st century. Zuleqa lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband Khizer, someone as wise and youthful as his namesake.