Dr Syed Abdul Bari, former head of the Department of Urdu, Awadh University, Faizabad passed away following a brief cardiac arrest, on 1 September. He was at his residence in Shaheen Bagh, New Delhi, when he felt heart attack. After initial medical care, he was rushed to Al-Shifa Multi-speciality Hospital but it is said he breathed his last while on way to the hospital. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.
Popularly known as ‘Shabnam Subhani’, Dr. Abdul Bari was a renowned poet and critic, and author of many books in Urdu. He was president of Idara-e-Adab-e-Islami Hind for a pretty long time. He is considered a doyen of Islamic literature in Urdu.
Dr. Abdul Bari presided over and read out papers in various national and international seminars and symposia. In a three-day seminar on ‘Allama Farāhī: Life and Works’ held from 8 to 10 October, 1991 at the famous Islamic seminary, Madarasatul Islah, Sarai Meer (U.P.) under the auspices of the Old Boys Association headed by the well-known Islamic ideologue Maulana Sadruddin Islahi, Dr. Abdul Bari read out a paper on “The Literary and Poetical Thoughts of Maulana Farāhī”, which was widely acclaimed.
On 4 March 2012, he delivered a keynote address during a one-day national seminar on ‘Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s Life and Contribution’ held in Anjuman Abad, Bhatkal organised by Anjuman Degree College and P G Centre, Bhatkal.
Dr. Abdul Bari was a man varied interests. He was among the earliest members of the Muslim Majlis, Uttar Pradesh, and was considered one of the stalwarts of its state unit. He was also associated with All India Milli Council and Institute of Objective Studies.
Dr. Abdul Bari was also a man of journalistic bent of mind. He started his journalistic career as Sub-Editor with Radiance Viewsweekly in 1963 when Radiance was launched. But he soon shifted his career to teaching when he joined lectureship in a college in Uttar Pradesh. And, after his retirement as Head of the Dept. of Urdu, Awadh University, he joined Urdu monthly Milli Ittihad as its Editor. He used to contribute his write-ups to Radiance, occasionally though. His article on “Trials and Tribulations Faced by Urdu after Independence as Reflected in Radiance” is scheduled to be published in the upcoming Golden Jubilee Special issue of Radiance Viewsweekly.
All the staff members of Radiance Viewsweekly share the moments of grief with the members of Late Dr. Abdul Bari.