NEW DELHI:Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on Monday over the demise of Munawwar Rana, a distinguished Urdu poet, who passed away yesterday after battling a prolonged illness. The Prime Minister, using the platform of X, conveyed his condolences and highlighted Rana's substantial contributions to Urdu literature and poetry.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Munawwar Rana Ji. He enriched Urdu literature and poetry with his profound contributions. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace," PM Modi shared on X.

Brajesh Pathak, the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, also extended his condolences, expressing the collective grief of both the political and literary communities. "We and the literary world are saddened by his passing away. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss," Pathak remarked.

Munawwar Rana, aged 71, breathed his last on Sunday at a hospital in Lucknow, succumbing to a cardiac arrest. He had been grappling with a prolonged illness for several months. The mortal remains of the esteemed Urdu poet were transported to his residence in Lucknow in the early hours of Monday. The procession, from PGI hospital to his Lal Kuan residence, witnessed a significant gathering of people, including family members and well-wishers. Senior Samajwadi Party leader Juhi Singh also paid her respects at Munawwar Rana's house.

Born on November 26, 1952, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Munawwar Rana gained recognition for his remarkable contributions to Urdu literature, particularly in the realm of ghazals. In 2014, he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his poem, 'Shahdaba.' Notably, he returned the award in 2015, citing concerns about 'intolerance' in the country.

One of his most celebrated works was his Sher (couplets) dedicated to 'Maa,' praising the virtue of motherhood. Throughout his illustrious career, Rana received various accolades, including the Ameer Khusro Award, the Mir Taqi Mir Award, the Ghalib Award, the Dr Zakir Hussain Award, and the Saraswati Samaj Award.

Munawwar Rana is survived by his wife, Raina, four daughters, and a son. The loss of this literary luminary is deeply felt across the nation, leaving behind a void in the world of Urdu poetry and literature.
Munawar Rana died due to cardiac arrest last night