Special Report by Dr. Afzal Misbahi, Assistant Professor of Urdu, MMV, BHU, Varanasi, and former student of Prof. Ibn Kanwal.
New Delhi: The Ghalib Institute, in collaboration with students of the late Prof. Ibn Kanwal, organized a one-day national seminar titled “Ibn Kanwal: Life and Literary Contributions” at the Ghalib Institute’s seminar hall. The event saw participation from renowned scholars, writers, and academics who reflected on the multifaceted legacy of Ibn Kanwal, known for his mastery in fiction, storytelling, and academic research.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Professor Shahpar Rasool highlighted Ibn Kanwal’s deep connection to Urdu literature and his dedication to mentoring students. Distinguished guests included Prof. Aslam Parvaiz, Prof. Tariq Chhatari, and Prof. Ghazanfar, with the keynote address delivered by Professor Sagheer Afraheem.
In his keynote, Prof. Afraheem provided a comprehensive overview of Ibn Kanwal’s journey from his early days as a student to his celebrated career as a literary figure. He emphasized Kanwal’s innate love for storytelling, a passion inherited from his family, and his ability to poignantly capture the pain of lost relationships and cultural decay in his stories.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Muhammad Kazim remarked that the overwhelming response from those wanting to contribute to the seminar showed the deep respect and admiration many held for Ibn Kanwal. He revealed that four universities are currently conducting research on Kanwal’s contributions to Urdu literature.
In a heartfelt opening address, Prof. Farooq Bakhshi shared personal memories of Ibn Kanwal, describing him as a person whose depth of character could be likened to the vastness of the sea. He recited a couplet to encapsulate Kanwal’s unique persona: “A man as deep as the waters of the ocean,
A figure as intriguing as tales and legends.”
Prof. Ghazanfar presented his essay titled “Band Raste,” which artfully chronicled Kanwal’s life and achievements. Prof. Tariq Chhatari delved into Kanwal’s short stories, highlighting his distinctive style influenced by the tradition of storytelling, which brought a unique richness to his fiction.
Prof. Aslam Parvaiz, in his address, praised Ibn Kanwal’s honesty and integrity, calling him a sensitive and compassionate individual. Prof. Parvaiz noted the large number of students who attended Kanwal’s funeral as a testament to his popularity and impact as a teacher.
Delivering the presidential address, Prof. Shahpar Rasool reflected on Kanwal’s close relationships with his peers and his passion for poetry and literature. He commended Kanwal’s vast literary activities and lasting influence on Urdu literature.
The seminar featured papers from scholars across institutions, including Dr. Abu Shaheem Khan, Dr. Afzal Misbahi, Dr. Akmal Shadab, Dr. Mumtaz Alam Rizvi, Dr. Yameen Ansari, Dr. Uzair Israel, Dr. Mohammad Arshad, Dr. Shamsuddin, Dr. Wasi Ahmad Azmi, Dr. Alia, Dr. Nisar Ahmad, Dr. Tufail, and Dr. Abdul Hafeez, among others. Participants from Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, MANUU Hyderabad, and other prestigious universities also contributed to the seminar.
The event concluded with the launch of Ibn Kanwal’s book “Mazeed Shuguftagi,” edited by his daughter, Sabiha Nasir. The seminar witnessed attendance from his family members, students, and well-wishers, along with notable figures like Prof. Khalid Alvi and Prof. Mohibullah.
Dr. Idris Ahmad, Director of Ghalib Institute, delivered the vote of thanks, while Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad conducted the session. The seminar was a heartfelt tribute to the life and contributions of a beloved teacher and literary giant, Ibn Kanwal.
