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Prof. Shafey Kidwai is a renowned author, bilingual critic, translator, and media educator. Born in Aligarh, India, he has been actively contributing to the field of literature and journalism for over three decades. He has written several books, translated works, and research papers, which have been widely acclaimed by readers and critics alike.
Kidwai received the prestigious Sahitya Academy Award in 2019 for his Urdu book ‘Sawaneh Sir Syed: Ek Bazdeed,’ which throws new light on the life and times of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. His other book, ‘Literature and Journalism: Critical Perspectives’ (Cambridge University Press, India, 2014) has also been widely appreciated by critics.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Kidwai has been teaching film studies, broadcast journalism, editing, sports journalism, and Urdu journalism for over three decades. He has also prepared the ‘Style Book’ (2002) for the ETV, Hyderabad, and the ‘Glossary of Mass Communication in Urdu’ (2003) for NCPUL, New Delhi.
Kidwai’s research dissertation on Sir Syed’s contribution to journalism is considered to be one of the substantial works on nineteenth-century journalism. He has also served as a member of the general council of the Indian Academy of Letters, Sahitya Academy, and National Council for the Promotion of Urdu, Ministry of HRD, Govt of India. Presently, he is the Convener of the Urdu Committee, Bhartiya Jnanpith and Sarswati Samman, New Delhi.
Kidwai’s recent book, ‘Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Nation and Religion’ (Routledge, 2020) has been recognized as a nuanced narrative and objective appraisal of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, one of the seminal figures of nineteenth-century India. It focuses on the social, political, educational, and religious questions that India faced during colonial rule. The book has been widely acclaimed and was published in its international edition for the USA, UK, and Europe by Routledge before releasing its South Asian print.
Apart from his literary contributions, Kidwai reviews books regularly for The Hindustan Times, The Frontline, The Outlook, The Book Review, and News Trail. He also wrote a fortnightly column on culture, media, and literature called ‘Going Native’ for the Friday Review, the Hindu, for ten years.
Kidwai has contributed more than seventy research papers and participated in more than two hundred international and national seminars and workshops. He is a regular participant in panel discussions on books and literary festivals held in major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Bombay, Goa, Chennai, Lucknow, Bhuvneshwar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kishan Gunj.
Kidwai’s expertise in both Urdu and English languages has enabled him to produce a significant corpus of work that spans across genres and mediums. His works have been appreciated not only in India but also across the globe.
Books
“Sawaneh-e-Sir Syed: Ek Baazdeed” is a biographical account of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, written by Prof. Shafey Kidwai. The book sheds new light on the life and times of the reformer and educationist, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern India.
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a visionary thinker who played a key role in promoting education and modernization in India during the colonial era. He is best known for his efforts to promote scientific and modern education among Muslims, and for his pioneering role in the development of the Aligarh Muslim University.
The book covers some important aspects of Sir Syed’s life, including his his work as a writer and scholar, and his efforts to promote education and social reform.
One of the key themes of the book is the tension between tradition and modernity that characterized Sir Syed’s life and work. As a devout Muslim, Sir Syed was deeply committed to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of India’s Muslim community. However, he also recognized the need to embrace new ideas and education in order to keep pace with the rapidly changing world of the 19th century.
“Sawaneh-e-Sir Syed: Ek Baazdeed” offers a fascinating and insightful portrait of one of India’s most influential and complex historical figures. Prof. Shafey Kidwai’s engaging writing style and meticulous research make this book an essential read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
journalism Shafey Kidwai Urdu Criticism
Last modified: April 11, 2023