This article explores the unique and heartwarming story of how a Muslim professor’s Urdu translation of the Ramayan has become an integral part of Diwali celebrations in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Here are the key points:
-
A Legacy of Scholarship: Maulvi Badshah Shah Hussain Rana Lakhnavi, a professor of Urdu in Bikaner, won a gold medal from Banaras Hindu University for his Urdu translation of the Ramayan in 1935. This translation, born out of a nationwide competition, has become a cherished part of Bikaner’s cultural heritage.
-
A Bridge Between Faiths: The Urdu Ramayan, a testament to the enduring power of Ram’s story, transcends religious boundaries. It is seen as a symbol of unity and understanding between communities.
-
A Celebration of Diwali: For over a decade, the recitation of Rana Lakhnavi’s Urdu Ramayan has become an essential part of Bikaner’s Diwali celebrations. The event, organized by the Bikaner Paryatan Lekhak Sangh, draws large crowds who are captivated by the beauty and eloquence of the translation.
-
Preserving a Literary Treasure: Dr Zia-Ul-Hasan Qadri, an Urdu teacher and organizer of the event, highlights the significance of Rana Lakhnavi’s translation as the only complete version of the Ramayan in Urdu. His work is a valuable contribution to Urdu literature and a testament to his dedication to scholarship.
-
A Call for Amity: The “Mehfil-e-Adab” event, where the Urdu Ramayan is recited, is not just a celebration of literature but also a powerful message of harmony and unity. It serves as a reminder of the shared values and traditions that bind communities together.
-
A Global Reach: Mukul Chaturvedi, a professor at Delhi’s Zakir Hussain College, has translated Rana Lakhnavi’s work into English, ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience. The publication of the English translation in Sahitya Akademi’s journal in 2022 further underscores the importance and enduring relevance of this literary masterpiece.
The story of the Urdu Ramayan in Bikaner is a powerful reminder of the unifying power of art and literature. It demonstrates how cultural exchange and shared narratives can bridge divides and foster understanding between communities.