Renowned Urdu scholar and critic Prof. Choudhri Mohammed Naim passed away in Chicago on July 9. Prof. Naim was counted among the most distinguished writers of the Urdu literature.
Expressing his condolences, Prof. Siddiqur Rahman Kidwai, Secretary of the Ghalib Institute, said: “Prof. Naim was among my close friends. If one wants to understand the meaning of intellectual integrity, they should read his writings. Speaking plainly and clearly, yet with sound reasoning, was a hallmark of both his personality and his prose. He had scholarly command over Urdu, Persian, and English, and his study in all three languages was extensive. His demise is an irreparable loss to Urdu. On behalf of myself and the Institute, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Dr. Idrees Ahmed, Director of the Ghalib Institute, also expressed his sorrow, saying: “I met him several times at the Ghalib Institute and had the opportunity to listen to him on many occasions. His discourse was like a flowing river of wisdom. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the depth of his insight into literature and history across multiple languages. In 2009, the Ghalib Institute presented him with the Ghalib Award in recognition of his invaluable contributions. Recently, the first volume of his selected essays was published and received widespread acclaim in literary circles.
“I extend my condolences on behalf of myself and all members of the Ghalib Institute to his family and pray for his forgiveness.”
