Eminent writer, compiler and representative of Urdu's composite culture passes away in Delhi
NEW DELHI — Prominent Urdu writer, compiler and literary figure Narang Saqi passed away here on Friday night, bringing to an end a long and fruitful association with the Urdu language and literature. His death has been widely mourned in literary circles, with writers, poets and admirers describing it as a significant loss for Urdu.
Narang Saqi, whose real name was Krishan Lal Narang, was regarded as one of the important literary personalities associated with Urdu’s Ganga-Jamuni cultural tradition. Known for his humour, literary scholarship and deep engagement with Urdu culture, he spent decades documenting literary personalities, anecdotes and historical material connected with the language.
Born on August 24, 1936, in Sudhi Nagar, Punjab’s Ferozepur district, Narang Saqi witnessed the social and political upheavals surrounding the Partition of India. Following the partition, his family moved to Delhi, where he spent the majority of his life and remained actively engaged in literary and cultural activities.
Although he pursued business as his profession, literature remained his lifelong passion. He ran a hotel business in Amritsar, was involved in import-export trade in Chandigarh and later worked in the construction sector in Delhi. Alongside his professional commitments, he continued writing, collecting literary material and maintaining close ties with Urdu scholars and writers.
Narang Saqi often acknowledged the influence of his father, Shri Sundar Das Narang, on his literary development. In his writings, he recalled that his father was deeply interested in poetry and literature and frequently quoted verses in everyday conversation.
“My father was fond of poetry and literature. He often referred to verses and spoke about classical works such as Gulistan and Bostan,” Narang Saqi had written while reflecting on his early literary influences.
Literary Anecdotes
Among his best-known works was Shaguftagi-o-Barjastagi Qalamkaron Ki (Adabi Lataif), published in 2019. The 366-page volume brought together witty remarks, memorable incidents and literary anecdotes associated with some of Urdu’s most celebrated figures, including Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Akbar Allahabadi, Akhtar Shirani, Chiragh Hasan Hasrat, Josh Malihabadi and Patras Bukhari.
The book was appreciated for preserving lesser-known aspects of literary history and presenting them in an engaging style.
Over the years, Narang Saqi also wrote and compiled several other works, including Muntashir Afkar, Hamare Kunwar Sahib — a work dedicated to Kunwar Mahendra Singh Bedi Sahar — Adeebon Ke Lataif and an edition of Kulliyat-e-Akbar Allahabadi.
Commanded Respect
Narang Saqi enjoyed the respect of leading literary personalities across generations. Scholars and critics who wrote about his life and work included Gopi Chand Narang, Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, Anwar Sadeed, Balraj Komal, Jagan Nath Azad, Qazi Abdul Sattar, Joginder Paul, Dilip Singh, Ata ul Haq Qasmi and Unwan Chishti.
His contribution to Urdu literature was considered significant enough that noted literary editor Nazeer Fatehpuri devoted a nearly 600-page volume titled Maikhana-e-Urdu Ka Peer-e-Mughan to his personality and literary achievements. The book was published in 2012 and remains an important source on his life and work.
A Lifelong Companion of Urdu
Friends and fellow writers often described Narang Saqi as someone who not only wrote about Urdu literature but lived within its cultural world. Through his writings, compilations and personal associations, he preserved memories of several generations of poets, critics and scholars.
His work helped document a rich literary heritage that might otherwise have been forgotten. His books remain valuable resources for students, researchers and readers interested in Urdu literary history.
With his passing, Urdu literature has lost a dedicated chronicler, humourist and custodian of its shared cultural traditions. He is survived by a large circle of admirers who remember him for his warmth, wit and unwavering commitment to the language he loved throughout his life.
