Urdu Akademi awards trigger controversy in literary world

LUCKNOW : The announcement of Uttar Pradesh Urdu Akademi Awards on Wednesday night has triggered a controversy in the Urdu literary world.

The Akademi has given Dr Sugra Mehdi Award of ₹1 lakh to its chairperson Dr Asifa Zamani and another member Raza Nayyar has been given Ameer Khusro Award of ₹1.5 lakh . While Zamani said there was no need to make a hue and cry over this, several Urdu poets and writers were of the opinion that she had set a wrong example.

Zamani said, “I was not part of the committee which announced the award for me. When I came to know that my name was being considered for the award, I opted out of the committee.”

She said during her tenure she had worked to promote Urdu among the masses and had been successful in her efforts.

Former chairman of Uttar Pradesh Urdu Akademi Nawaz Deobandi refused to comment over the issue. But he said during his tenure he made sure that not only his books but also those of his friends were not considered for the awards. He said during his tenure there had been no controversy.

He said,” I don’t want to get into a controversy by commenting on the present awards announced by the Akademi.”

However, Professor Sharib Rudaulvi said, “I don’t doubt the literary genius of the chairperson but it would have been fair if she had resisted and refused the award. If this becomes a tradition, it would be unfortunate.”

Many Urdu writers and poets said that Zamani had set a wrong example by accepting the award from the Akademi which she was heading. Most of them were not willing to comment on record but off the record they expressed their anger.

A noted Urdu poet said, “There will always be people in the committee who would like to please one with such things but it’s up to the individual to say no to such awards and maintain the dignity of the post which one is holding.”

“It’s a one of its kind example in which a chairperson of the Akademi has honoured herself,” he added.

MANY URDU WRITERS AND POETS SAID THAT ZAMANI HAD SET A WRONG EXAMPLE BY ACCEPTING THE AWARD FROM AKADEMI WHICH SHE WAS HEADING