Books focus on contribution of non-Muslims to Urdu

Two books — “Jharkhand Mein Urdu Ke Ghair Muslim Fankar” (“Non-Muslim Urdu Poets and Litterateurs in Jharkhand”) by Dr. Nuzhat Perween and “Pindar Ka Sanam Kadah” (“The Idol House of Ego”) by Aslam Badr — were released in Jubail recently.
Well-known Indian expatriate Meraj A. Ansari was the chief guest at the event. In attendance were Aslam Badr’s grandson Musab Iqbal and granddaughter Sidrah Batool. Among other prominent invitees were Syed Jamil, senior scientist at SABIC, and Jamil Akhtar of Hadeed.
“Non-Muslim Urdu Poets in Jharkhand” is a scholarly work based on doctoral research conducted by Perween for Ranchi University. Her book recounts contribution of non-Muslim poets and litterateurs of the continent as well as of Jharkhand, specifically Ram Prasad Khosla “Nashad,” Harbans Dost, Gurubachan Singh, Kamta Prasad “Hosh,” Shaida Chini and Joga Singh Anwa.
The book is an analytical study of their work.
In “The Idol House of Ego,” Badr has projected distorted images of some of the bittersweet experiences of his life.
Badr and Perween are based in the Indian city of Jamshedpur and are known for their immense contribution to literature and community.
The event was admirably conducted by Toastmaster and poet Abdullah Khalili. Iqbal Aslam, son of Badr and Perween, delivered a vote of thanks.