Latest news with #1890–1950:AnInformalHistory
Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Urdu doyen Prof CM Naim passes away, leaves a lasting legacy
Lucknow: Renowned scholar Prof Choudhri Mohammed Naim, a leading authority on Urdu language and South Asian studies, passed away in Chicago on Wednesday. He was 89. Born in Barabanki on June 3, 1936, Naim was acclaimed for his profound expertise in Urdu literature, language politics, and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the field. He did his graduation and post graduation in Urdu literature from Lucknow University, later earning another master's degree in linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley. He then held positions at various US universities before joining the University of Chicago in 1961, where he taught for four decades until 2001. He was still the professor emeritus at the University of Chigaco . During his tenure, he served as the chair of the South Asian Languages and Civilizations department from 1985 to 1991. Naim's distinguished career also included stints as a national fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla (2009) and as a visiting professor at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi (2003). Naim also translated the famous autobiography of Mir Taqi Mir, Zikr e Mir into English. In 2023, Naim published "Urdu Crime Fiction, 1890–1950: An Informal History", a book that showcased his enduring passion for Urdu literature and marked another milestone in his illustrious career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He founded and edited two influential publications: the Annual of Urdu Studies and Mehfil (now Journal of South Asian Literature). He also authored a seminal textbook on Urdu pedagogy in English, a foundational resource in the field. According to the University of California website, "Choudhri M Naim, professor emeritus of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, was born in Barabanki; educated at the University of Lucknow and the University of California, Berkeley." One of Naim's notable works is his 2013 article "The Maulana who Loved Krishna" about Hasrat Mohani, published in the Economic & Political Weekly. He also penned notable biographies of literary giants Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib, showcasing his deep understanding of Urdu literature's luminaries. Naim's passing sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many expressing admiration for his unwavering dedication to the Urdu a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Naim, Rekhta, the world's largest archive of Urdu poetry and literature, posted on X: "With the passing of Prof. CM Naim, the Urdu literary world has lost a distinguished voice. This loss marks the departure of a mentor and an early supporter whose intellectual generosity significantly shaped Rekhta's vision. Prof Naim was a scholar who bridged languages, generations and culture. His clarity, integrity and lifelong contribution to Urdu remain enduring." Mourning the demise, author Syed Ubaidur Rahman said: "Prof CM Naim is no more. He was a professor at the University of Chicago. His translations and pedagogy shaped Urdu studies. I was lucky to spend many memorable evenings with him." Musharraf Ali Farooqi, author, storyteller and founder of a library of Urdu classics, said: "Renowned Urdu scholar, Professor CM Naim, has passed away. May he rest in peace. Was honoured to call him a friend." Hoping students will absorb the quiet wisdom that shines through Naim's words, historian Neeti Nair posted: "I met Prof Naim only once, decades ago, and we corresponded once or twice. I will continue to assign his essays in the hope that students will learn from his quiet wisdom - on the partition, on memory, on Urdu, on belonging. RIP." Akhlaq Ahan, Professor & chairperson, Centre of Persian & Central Asian studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, said: "Prof. Choudhri Mohammed Naim (b. 1936), a formidable scholar of Urdu language and literature, doyen of South Asian Studies in the USA and professor emeritus at the University of Chicago passed away today. He translated the famous autobiography of Mir Taqi Mir, Zikr e Mir into English, besides many Urdu and Hindi books. He was also briefly associated with JMI, New Delhi and AMU, Aligarh as visiting professor and IIAS, Shimla as fellow. He taught, trained and inspired many generations of students and scholars within and outside the USA, during the last over six decades."
The Wire
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Wire
One of Urdu's Greatest Scholars, C.M. Naim, Passes Away
Books The UP-born professor was said to be among the finest and authoritative voices on Urdu. Naim was Professor Emeritus of South Asian Languages and Civilisations at the University of Chicago – a position which capped his decade-long association with the university where he taught from 1961 to 2001. He chaired the South Asian Languages and Civilisations department from 1985 to 1991. A founding editor of many journals and prolific commentator, his voice resonated on all matters to do with Urdu language, culture and its politics as things got dire for Urdu in the sub-continent, the place of its birth. He has been Consultant to the Asian Literature Program of the Asia Society, New York City, Princeton University Press, University of Chicago Press, University of California Press, Feminist Press, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He had also served as Member, South Asia Regional Council, Association for Asian Studies, 1976-79, of the Committee on Scholars of Asian Descent, Association for Asian Studies, 1981-84, then South Asia Regional Council, Association for Asian Studies, 1990-93. He has been on the Advisory Committee, Berkeley Urdu Language Program in Pakistan, University of California, Berkeley, as well as Member, Board of Trustees, America-Pakistan Research Organization, 1989-93 and also Member, Board of Trustees, American Institute of Pakistan Studies, 1993-95. Naim unhesitatingly tackled political issues along with his serious work on pure literary debates. In 1989, after a visit to Palestine, he wrote powerful words on what he saw, words that are especially relevant today. One of his more recent works, an example of his enduring connection to all that was Urdu, was Urdu Crime Fiction, 1890–1950: An Informal History which came out in 2023. How did Naim feel on his first day in the United States? His observations were recalled as friends and colleagues remembered his contributions and tributes poured in. CM Naim, titan of Urdu studies, has passed. Here's his account of his first day in the US : — Holden Cauliflower (@CFLHolden) July 10, 2025 Renowned Urdu scholar, Professor C.M. Naim, has passed away. May he rest in peace. Was honoured to call him a friend. Choudhri Mohammed Naim (3 June 1936 - 9 July 2025) — Musharraf Ali Farooqi (@microMAF) July 10, 2025 For The Wire, Naim wrote sadly on how there is now no major Urdu newspaper or magazine that is edited by a non-Muslim and how in the past 75 years, the culture of Urdu magazines read by families of all faiths has disappeared. In another piece full of characteristic edge, Naim gently chastised brands for never using the letter 'j' while transliterating Urdu words. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
