Bhatkal: Two teachers Anjuman teachers have had their research theses approved for the award of a Doctorate (PhD) by the Department of Urdu at Kuvempu University, Shivamogga.
According to sources, Maulavi Abdul Hafeez Khan S/o Mehboob Khan, who has been serving as an Urdu teacher at Islamia Anglo Urdu High School Bhatkal, authored a thesis titled “Selected Urdu Travelogue Writers of South India.” (Junubi hind ke muntakhab Urdu Safar nama nigar) His research has now been approved for the award of a PhD. Similarly, Abdul Fatah S/o Mohammed Saib Bapu, who has been teaching Social Science at the same school, has also received PhD approval for his thesis titled “Hafiz Karnataki: Zikr, Fikr aur Fan.” Both researchers will soon be conferred with doctoral degrees by Kuvempu University’s Department of Urdu.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony held in Shivamogga, Prof. Siraj Ahmad, Head of the Department of Urdu and Principal of Sahyadri Arts College, expressed pride over the achievements of both scholars. He noted that while discussions on Urdu literature often highlight poets and writers from North India, Abdul Fatah’s research on Hafiz Karnataki is a significant effort to bring recognition to Karnataka’s literary figures on a global platform.
Dr. Sanaullah, the research guide for both scholars, said that they performed excellently during their viva examinations. The viva was conducted by Prof. Arshiya Jabeen from the University of Hyderabad and Prof. Mohammad Naseemuddin Fareed from Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU). Dr. Sanaullah remarked that Hafiz Karnataki’s political, literary, social, and educational contributions are invaluable, and researching his multifaceted life is indeed a remarkable scholarly achievement. Though there were some obstacles during the process, the research was successfully completed.
In his address, Hafiz Karnataki expressed joy and pride that academic research on his literary and educational contributions was being conducted within his own district. He recalled that earlier, a research attempt on his work at Patna University was discouraged on the grounds that “research should not be conducted on living individuals.” However, Abdul Fatah, under the guidance of Dr. Sanaullah, courageously took up this challenge and completed the research — setting a new precedent in Urdu academia.
Prof. Mohammad Nissar Ahmad of YV University observed that Hafiz Karnataki is perhaps the only poet devoted exclusively to children’s literature, and his works serve as the foundation for nurturing young readers. He added that Abdul Fatah’s thesis deserves to be published. Examiner Prof. Naseemuddin Fareed appreciated the detailed and insightful nature of the research, describing Hafiz Karnataki’s literary contributions as unforgettable.
Renowned writer Dr. Afaq Alam Siddiqui praised the Department of Urdu at Kuvempu University for maintaining high standards of research despite limited resources. He said that Hafiz Karnataki’s poetry and practical life complement each other, making him a unique figure in Urdu literature. He further added that Abdul Fatah’s thesis is publishable for its literary quality and scholarly depth, while Abdul Hafeez’s research on South Indian travelogues could become a valuable reference work that surpasses existing studies.
In his remarks, Research Scholar Maulavi Abdul Hafeez said that very little research has been done on South Indian Urdu travelogues compared to North India, which inspired him to explore this less-studied area. Abdul Fatah expressed pride in conducting research on Hafiz Karnataki, saying that the poet is known for his remarkable contribution to children’s literature and that he intends to continue his research pursuits in the future.
The event was attended by former Professor Dr. C. Syed Khalil, several faculty members, and students.