Modernist critic, poet, fiction writer, Shamsur Rahman Faruqi was born in Pratapgarh, UP, and earned his master’s degree in English literature at Allahabad University. Faruqi joined the Indian Civil Services from where he retired in 1996. He presently lives in Allahabad, the city from where he launched the literary journal, Shabkoon (Night Attack), in 1964, a date which is now regarded as the milestone for arrival of the trend of modernism or jadidiyat. Faruqi’s thought has evolved strongly in the direction of interpreting and putting into new use the ideas and practices of pre-modern, especially 18th century Urdu literary practice. Yet his reinterpretation and recuperation of these ideas are from a stand point which can be easily understood by a modern western student of poetry. He is the author of more than two dozen books on various aspects of literary criticism, and the recepient of numerous awards and honors. His four volume study of the soul-stirring poetry of Mir Taqi Mir (Sher-e Shor Angez) is a work of truly epic proportions and is acknowledged as a classic.

TITLE: A Modest Plea: Please Could We Have a Proper History of Urdu Literature?
PANEL: Keynote Address
DATE/TIME: Friday, September 12, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Harrison Auditorium