Widely acclaimed Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, aged 71, breathed his last due to a cardiac arrest at the PGI Hospital in Lucknow. The poet had been facing health challenges for the past several months and was undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Born on November 26, 1952, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Rana was celebrated for his significant contributions to Urdu literature and poetry, particularly for his soul-stirring ghazals. His unique poetic style, marked by the use of Hindi and Awadhi words, resonated with Indian audiences, making his work accessible and cherished.
One of his most iconic poems, ‘Maa,’ eloquently praised the virtues of motherhood within the traditional ghazal form.
Rana received several prestigious accolades throughout his illustrious career, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his poetry book ‘Shahdaba.’ However, citing concerns over increasing intolerance in the country, he returned the award approximately a year later.
Apart from the Sahitya Akademi Award, Rana was honored with the Ameer Khusro Award, Mir Taqi Mir Award, Ghalib Award, Dr Zakir Hussain Award, and the Saraswati Samaj Award. His literary works have been translated into multiple languages, further extending his influence.
Having spent a significant part of his life in Kolkata, Rana was a prominent figure in mushairas (poetic symposiums) both in India and abroad.
Beyond his literary pursuits, Munawwar Rana actively participated in political developments in Uttar Pradesh. His daughter Sumaiya is a member of the Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Akhilesh Yadav.
