Veteran Urdu poet Shabab Lalit passes away

Veteran Urdu poet Shabab Lalit passed away on February 7, 2014. He was 81.

For almost fifty years, the prolific writer who stayed in Shimla, consistently wrote poetry that was published in leading magazines across Indian and Pakistan.

His real name was Bhagwan Das, and wrote under the pen name 'Shabab Lalit'. He has left over a dozen poetry collections. Apart from Urdu, he also experimented in Pahari dialect.

Imran Azim, in his obituary in Alami Sahara magazine, mentions that Shabab Lalit was born in Khangarh in West Punjab on August 3, 1933.

After partition he came to India. Initially, he worked in newspaper, 'Vir Bharat', and later completed his graduation to get job in the education department of Punjab government. 

Later, he got job as publicity officer with the Himachal Pradesh government. Dr Shabab Lalit had post-graduation degree in History and Urdu, from Punjab, after independence. Though he got love from readers and accolades from all corners, he perhaps felt that he didn't get his due. 

Perhaps, the fact that Urdu--the lingua franca of the country was considered a 'Muslim language', compelled him to say the lines:

See this couplet:

Umr bhar ab is himaaqat par lahu ro'o Shabab

Ghair-Muslim ho ke tum Urdu par shaida kyuu.n hue?

After retirement, he remained associated with Urdu magazine, 'Jadid Fikr-o-Fan' published by Himachal Pradesh state government. Dr Shabab Lalit is survived by his wife and three sons. For Urdu world, his demise is a sad news. 

[The photograph shows special issue of Chahaar-Su magazine's special issue that focused on life and works of Dr Shabab Lalit. Credit: chaharsu.wordpress.com]

Kitabnuma: Standard literary Urdu magazine for over half-a-century

Kitabnuma is among the major literary magazines in Urdu. Devoted to 'Adab', this magazine has completed 54 years.

It is published by the Maktaba Jamia Limited. Currently, Khalid Mahmood is the chief editor. Like other literary magazines, it focuses on all forms of literature.

It was known for guest editorials also, till recently. Apart from ghazals, nazms and other genres of poetry, there are short stories, articles on litterateurs apart from informative articles.

There is also enough literary criticism and columns. Kitabnuma is known for its balanced approach. The magazine carries the line, 'ghair-janibdarana ravayat ka naqeeb'.

The latest issue has a special focus on the famous poet late Shad Arfi. There are many articles on the poet, who is known for his incisive sarcasm and satire.

The articles reveal a lot about the poet who had an inimitable style and whose couplets can be distinguished from other poets.

The magazine has 96 pages. The current issue costs Rs 18 per issue. The annual subscription is Rs 200. From foreign countries it is 32 dollars or 20 pounds. In face of any confusion, you can call 011-26987295 or shoot an email at monthlykitabnuma@gmail.com

So what are you waiting for? Do subscribe the magazine by sending the amount to this address:

Kitabnuma
Maktaba Jamia Limited
Jamia Nagar
New Delhi-110025

Science: The monthly Urdu magazine from Delhi

There aren't many magazines on science in Urdu. Mainstream publications don't focus on the subject.

Hardly any newspaper or periodical contains articles on science and technology. It is really a surprising and sad aspect.

'Science', the monthly magazine, fills this void. It is published from Delhi and this 'mahnama' has successfully completed 21 years.

It has carved a niche for itself in educated circles, institutions and even in madarsas. There are articles on a range of subjects.

Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz is the editor of the magazine that runs into 56 pages. He is the principal of the Zakir Husain Delhi College.

There is a neat selection of articles must be lauded. The subjects range from life sciences to astronomy, physics to earth sciences, chemistry to biology and other varied issues.

An issue of the magazine costs Rs 25. The annual subscription is Rs 250 through ordinary post and Rs 500 through registered post. For those living abroad, the amount is 100 riyal or 100 dirham, 30 dollars or 15 pounds [for Saudi Arabia, UAE, America and UK respectively].

Interestingly, there is a note that for outstation drafts/cheques, the commission fee of Rs 50 should be added.[Contact MA Parvaiz sahab at the email maparvaiz@gmail.com] The communication should be in favour of 'Urdu science monthly'. The address for sending your cheque/draft/money order is:

Urdu Science Monthly
153 (26), Zakir Nagar West
New Delhi
110025

Urdu magazine Biswin Sadi's latest issue hits the stands

Biswin Sadi is one of the oldest Urdu magazines in India. Once upon a time, late Ramrakha Mal alias 'Khushtar Girami' was its editor.

Under him, Biswin Sadi became popular across the country. Later on, Z Rahman Naiyyar took over the magazine.

However, after Naiyyar's death, there was period of 2-1/2 years, when the magazine ceased publication. But later on it was revived.

Shama Afroz Zaidi is the editor. She must get credit for bring out the magazine on the same standards. Now it is not a monthly but a biannual publication.

Two issues are published every year. But the magazine is more voluminous and there are hopes that the frequency of publication may increase in future.

The magazine is now in its 84th year, almost as old as Shair. For old-timers, its great to see the magazine on stands, even though it comes every six months. The look remains the same and there is hardly any difference in contents.

The current issue [January-June 2014]. It has 122 pages and is priced at Rs 60. The names of the writers who contribute may turn you nostalgic again. Litterateurs who were associated with this semi-literary magazine are visible once again.

Shabab Lalit, Syed Hubab Tirmizi, Kailash Mahir, Naz Bharti, Manazir Ashiq Harganvi, Hamdi Kashmiri, Preetpal Singh Naseem's names are among the poets whose ghazals have been published. There is an article on Shad Arfi by Prof. Muzaffar Hanafi though it has been printed in other magazins too.

Coming to prose section, the writers whose afsanas have been included here are Noor Shah, Masroor Jahan, Karamat Ghori, Anwar Nuzat, Anand Lahar etc. Then, there is the famous Teer-o-Nashtar column from the old files of Beeswin Sadi.

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan's nazm and Ismat Chughtai's afsana has been included from old files of the magazine. There is a 'khususi gosha' that focuses on Gulshan Khanna, the Britain-based writer, in this issue. Plus, the usual columns.

If you intend to subscribe the magazine, then send Rs 150 [in the name of 'Biswin Sadei Magazine'] on the address:

I-47, Rahmani Street, Muradi Road, 
Batla House, Jamia Nagar, 
New Delhi-110025

[For foreign countries, the subscribtion amount is different. Contact at this email biswinsadi@gmail.com]

India's iconic Urdu literary magazine 'Shair' is turning 85

For anyone having faint interest in Urdu literature, Shair*, [pronunciation 'Shaa'er' or 'Shaayer'] is a familiar name.

The magazine that was launched by legendary poet Seemab Akbarabadi, has completed 84 years and the glorious journey continues.

It is no less than a miracle for a literary journal to survive for so long, and yet retain its uniqueness and the hold over readers.

While the magazine is known for its content, it has given space to poets and writers of varied ideologies & literary movements.

The magazine is published from Mumbai. After Seemab Akbarabadi, his son Ejaz Siddiqui kept the magazine at par with the leading literary periodicals. 

Then, the next generation, took over. The services of the family towards Urdu world are truly matchless. Shair had begun publication from Agra in 1930.

It shifted to Mumbai. Over the years, it has become the most widely read literary journal across Urdu world. Especially, it has readership among Urdu speakers in Britain, America and other countries too.

Even non-literary magazines that have been running for more than eight decades, can be counted on fingers. Currently, Iftikhar Imam Siddiqui is the editor while Hamid Iqbal Siddiqui and Nazir Noman Siddiqui are the associate editors. 

Shair is also known for its special issues. The magazine is priced at just Rs 18. The annual subscription amount is Rs 200 within India. From Pakistan it is Rs 600, while from other countries the amount is 50 dollars.

It is a magazine which you should subscribe and support, if you are an Urdu lover. Here, is the postal address for sending the money, if you intend to subscribe the magazine:

The Shair Monthly

202-228, Dinanath building, PB Marg

Mumbai 400004

[*Shair i.e. the poet. This the official spelling in English printed on the back cover of the magazine]