City on Fire: A Boyhood in Aligarh recognised in the non-fiction category, gets accolades all around
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – An Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumnus, Ziyad Masroor Khan, has been honoured with the prestigious Crossword Book Award 2024 for his memoir, City on Fire: A Boyhood in Aligarh. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai on December 8, where his work was selected as the winner in the non-fiction category.
The Crossword Book Award, established in 1998, is one of India’s most respected literary accolades, recognising exceptional English writing by Indian authors across six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Business and Management, Mind, Body and Soul, and Translations. Each category winner receives a cash prize of ₹50,000.
Ziyad Masroor Khan’s City on Fire: A Boyhood in Aligarh offers a vivid exploration of life in Aligarh, highlighting the city’s social, political, and cultural nuances. The memoir delves into the daily lives of residents in Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods like Upper Kot, Bhojpura, Nuner Gate, Babri Mandi, Mian Ki Sarai, Thakur Wali Gali, Hadi Godam, Sarai Sultani, and Shah Jamal, providing an authentic narrative that counters common stereotypes.
Prof. Muhammad Asim Siddiqui analysed the memoir, noting its unique portrayal of Aligarh compared to other recent works by AMU-affiliated writers. While Naseeruddin Shah, Zameeruddin Shah, and Muzaffar Ali have mentioned Aligarh in their respective memoirs, Ziyad’s work stands out for its detailed focus on the city itself. “Ziyad’s work fills a significant gap by presenting a comprehensive depiction of Aligarh’s life and culture,” Siddiqui stated.
The book’s shortlisting in the non-fiction category was a testament to its impact, as it stood alongside prominent works like From the Execution Yard by Sudha Bhardwaj, The Day I Became a Runner by Sohni Chattopadhyay, Mother Cow Mother India by Yamini Narayanan and Marginal Lands by Aarti Kumar Rao
The memoir ultimately clinched the award, receiving widespread acclaim. Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer Prof Shafi Kidwai commended Khan’s achievement, calling it an inspiration for budding writers, especially from AMU. Prof Shaheena Tarnam, head of AMU’s Department of English, also congratulated him, highlighting the pride he brought to the university.
Over the years, Ziyad Masroor Khan has made a name for himself as a journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker. His work is lauded for its authenticity and nuanced storytelling.
The jury for the non-fiction category, comprising TCA Raghavan, Anuradha Sengupta, and Kaveri Bamzai, praised City on Fire for its compelling narrative and cultural insight.
Ziyad’s success underscores the rich literary tradition of AMU and its role in nurturing talents who contribute significantly to the country’s literary landscape.
