Renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, a stalwart in the realm of Urdu literature, breathed his last at the age of 71 on Sunday. The poet succumbed to a cardiac arrest at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where he had been undergoing treatment. Munawwar Rana had been battling health issues, including lung and throat infections since 2017, and he regularly received treatment for kidney problems, necessitating dialysis.
Born on November 26, 1952, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Munawwar Rana made significant contributions to Urdu literature, particularly through his poignant ghazals. His literary prowess was acknowledged in 2014 when he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poem titled ‘Shahdaba.’ However, he later returned the award, citing concerns about ‘intolerance’ in the country. In 2012, he was bestowed with the Maati Ratan Samman by Shaheed Shodha Sansthan for his exemplary services to Urdu literature. Over the course of his illustrious career, he received numerous accolades, including the Ameer Khusro Award, the Mir Taqi Mir Award, the Ghalib Award, the Dr. Zakir Hussain Award, and the Saraswati Samaj Award.
Munawwar Rana’s literary legacy is defined by his ability to capture the essence of life through his verses. One of his most celebrated works is the poem ‘Maa,’ which holds a special place in the world of Urdu literature. His poems often reflected deep emotions, touching the hearts of readers and earning him admiration not only in India but also among Urdu poetry enthusiasts globally.
In a social media post, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his sorrow, stating, “The demise of the country’s renowned poet Munawwar Rana is extremely heartbreaking. Wishing peace to the departed soul. Heartfelt tribute.” Munawwar Rana’s impact extended beyond literature, and his poems resonated with people from diverse backgrounds.
It is worth noting that in August 2020, Munawwar Rana made headlines when he accused the former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, of allegedly ‘selling himself’ to deliver the Ayodhya verdict. He asserted that it was not justice but an order.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the arrest of his son in 2021 for allegedly orchestrating a staged shootout against himself, Munawwar Rana’s commitment to his craft remained unwavering. His daughter, Sumaiya Rana, joined the Samajwadi Party, continuing the family’s association with public life.
Munawwar Rana’s passing marks the end of an era in Urdu literature, leaving behind a legacy of words that resonated with the soul, depicting the myriad emotions of life, love, and loss. His contribution to the world of poetry will be remembered, and his verses will continue to inspire generations to come.