Renowned Urdu Poet Munawwar Rana Passes Away At 71

Munawwar Rana, a celebrated Urdu poet, passed away at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest in Lucknow. He had been enduring a prolonged illness, including throat cancer, kidney, and heart-related ailments. He was receiving treatment at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow.

Early Life and Career of Munawwar Rana

Born on November 26, 1952, in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli, Rana was renowned for his significant contributions to Urdu literature and poetry. He was particularly acclaimed for his ghazals, a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain. His poetic style was marked by its accessibility, as he often included Hindi and Awadhi words, avoiding Persian and Arabic, to resonate more with Indian audiences. One of his most famous poems was ‘Maa’, celebrating the virtues of a mother within the traditional ghazal form.

Awards and Recognitions of Munawwar Rana

Throughout his career, Rana received numerous accolades. He was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his poetry book ‘Shahdaba’. However, he returned the award about a year later, citing increasing societal intolerance. His other recognitions include the Ameer Khusro Award, Mir Taqi Mir Award, Ghalib Award, Dr Zakir Hussain Award, and the Saraswati Samaj Award. His works have been translated into several languages.

Personal Life and Political Involvement of Munawwar Rana

Rana spent much of his life in Kolkata and was a significant presence in mushairas (poetic symposiums) both in India and abroad. He was also active in political developments in Uttar Pradesh. His daughter, Sumaiya Rana, is a member of the Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Akhilesh Yadav. Rana often found himself mired in controversies for his statements, including his views on the Taliban and the murder of Samuel Paty over a controversy about Prophet Mohammad in Paris in 2020.

Legacy and Final Days of Munawwar Rana

The poet’s death has left a profound impact on the literary world, especially in the realm of Urdu poetry. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and a son. His demise has been mourned by many across the country, including political figures and literary enthusiasts.