Lucknow, [15th January ]: In a somber moment for literature enthusiasts, the iconic Urdu poet Munawwar Rana breathed his last at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow on Sunday.
Born on November 26, 1952, Rana, aged 71, left an indelible mark on the world of Urdu poetry.The poet had been on ventilator support for the past six days, as confirmed by his daughter Somaiyya Rana. Munawwar Rana’s health had been a matter of concern, leading to his hospitalization.Munawwar Rana’s literary journey was studded with accolades, with his notable work “Shahdaba” earning him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014. However, he returned the award later, citing political reasons, during a period of societal unrest surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).Apart from his literary contributions, Munawwar Rana actively participated in social and political causes.
He and his daughter were supporters of the anti-CAA protests, reflecting the poet’s commitment to societal issues.The poet, not untouched by controversies, made headlines during the farmers’ agitation for remarks deemed controversial. Despite the occasional controversies, Munawwar Rana’s impact on Urdu poetry and his engagement with contemporary issues remained noteworthy.
Expressing condolences, poet Sanjay Mishra Shauq acknowledged Rana’s enduring legacy in Urdu poetry, describing him as a luminary whose words resonated with readers across generations.As news of Munawwar Rana’s demise reverberates through the literary community, his contributions to the world of Urdu poetry will be remembered as a profound and influential chapter in the rich tapestry of Indian literature.
