On that fateful day, February 21, 2016, the Qamar Rais Hall of Delhi Urdu Academy bore witness to a significant seminar on Urdu. Zubair Rizvi, the venerable president of the Urdu Academy, took the stage. Little did the audience know that this day would mark the poignant end of his 30-year stewardship.
An Emotional Farewell
Zubair Rizvi, not just an administrator but a celebrated poet, apologized for his emotional state, attributing it to the moment’s difficulty. In a twist of fate, he left his speech midway, strolling to his chair, only to collapse before his admirers.
The Final Chapter
The chief guest, Rakim Numan, witnessed Zubair’s distress and rushed to his aid. Despite efforts to revive him, Zubair Rizvi was declared dead minutes later. The literary luminary from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, took his final bow amidst fans and admirers.
A Lasting Legacy
Born on April 15, 1935, in a scholarly family in Amroha, Zubair Rizvi left an indelible mark as a writer par excellence, a successful poet, and a conscious guardian of Urdu’s literary heritage. His famous poem, “Yeh Hai Mera Hindustan,” echoed not only in mushairas worldwide but also found its place in textbooks.
The Multifaceted Artisan
Zubair Rizvi’s journey was a kaleidoscope of roles: Broadcaster, Secretary at Urdu Academy, Lecturer in Mass Communication, and much more. His career began at Hamdard Dawa-Khana, leading to a prolific stint at All India Radio, where he interviewed icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar.
Director of Urdu Academy
After 30 years at All India Radio, Zubair Rizvi joined Urdu Academy as Secretary, later becoming its Director. He championed Urdu’s cause in this role, organizing seminars like “The Role of Urdu in Bollywood” with luminaries such as Yash Chopra and Gulzar.
A Poet’s Odyssey
Zubair’s poetic journey started in Hyderabad in the 1950s, sharing stages with legends like Kaifi Azmi. Revered by critics and audiences alike, Zubair Rizvi’s impact on Urdu literature remains unparalleled. In his final moments, Zubair Rizvi left an enduring legacy as a poet and a custodian of Urdu’s rich tapestry.
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