Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Renowned poet Munawwar Rana, who carved out a niche for himself in the galaxy of modern-day Urdu litterateurs, breathed his last on Sunday night at the age of 71.
Rana, well known for his evocative poems on motherhood, died of cardiac arrest at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in the Uttar Pradesh capital city of Lucknow. He had been battling throat cancer along with kidney and heart ailments. The celebrated poet was shifted to the hospital’s ICU on January 9 as his health deteriorated.
Tributes poured in for the departed soul with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav mourning the celebrated poet’s death terming it as an irreparable loss.
Born on November 26, 1952, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Munawwar Rana gained widespread recognition for his notable contributions to Urdu literature, particularly his ghazals. His unique style, characterised by the incorporation of Hindi and Awadhi words, resonated with audiences across India.
Rana’s daughter, Sumiya Rana, and son, Tabrez Rana, revealed that the poet had been unwell for the last two to three days. The family had sought medical attention 15 days ago, initially at Maidanta Hospital and later at the Sanjay Gandhi Institute.
Rana’s poetry often reflected on socio-political issues, communal harmony, and the human experience.
A fearless and influential figure has left an indelible mark in the literary world. He also actively participated in political developments in Uttar Pradesh. He returned the Sahitya Akademi National Award in 2015 as a gesture of protest against growing intolerance in the country.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging Rana’s valuable contributions to Urdu literature and poetry. Modi posted on ‘X’, stating, “Pained by the passing away of Shri Munawwar Rana Ji. He made rich contributions to Urdu literature and poetry. Condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.”
Samajwadi Party supremo Yadav paid a “heartfelt tribute” to Rana.
“The demise of the country’s renowned poet Munnavar Rana ji is extremely heartbreaking. Wishing peace to the departed soul. Heartfelt tribute,” he wrote on X.
The Congress party called it end of an era in the world of poetry.
The official account of the party wrote on X: “The demise of famous poet Munawwar Rana ji is very painful, it is the end of an era in the world of poetry. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this loss. Humble tribute..”
The poet is survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son. His legacy lives on through his timeless verses, with his famous poem ‘Ma’ holding a special place in the hearts of Urdu literature enthusiasts.
