Dr. Haneef Shabab felicitated for Karnataka Urdu Academy Award; Moulana Ilyas Jakati calls for greater recognition

Bhatkal, April 22, 2025: Renowned writer and poet Dr. Mohammed Haneef Shabab was felicitated in Bhatkal on Sunday for being honoured with the prestigious Karnataka Urdu Academy Award 2024. The felicitation was held during a literary event organised to release a collection of poems by late Urdu poet Syed Ashraf Barmawar. The event took place at Ameena Palace and was jointly organised by the Bhatkal unit of Idara Adab-e-Islami Hind and Mehfil-e-Sher-o-Adab.

The highlight of the evening was the tribute paid to Dr. Haneef Shabab, who was not only the editor of the newly released poetry compilation but also a close friend of the late poet Syed Ashraf Barmawar. Chief Guest Maulana Ilyas Jakati, in his speech, spoke at length about Dr. Shabab’s contribution to the Muslim community through his literary and social work.

“Dr. Haneef Shabab has served this town, this language, and this community with quiet sincerity for decades. The fact that he has finally received the Urdu Academy Award is a matter of pride, but let me say it clearly—this award is honoured because it has gone to him, not the other way around,” Maulana Jakati said.

Expressing disappointment that no major organisation had organised a felicitation for Dr. Shabab earlier, Maulana Jakati remarked, “It is unfortunate that we, as a community, often fail to recognise and value our own people in time. Dr. Shabab’s contributions have always been more than the recognition he has received. He deserves much more—and bigger events should be held in his honour.”

Renowned Urdu poet Ibrahim Nafees, who also spoke on the occasion, praised Dr. Shabab’s literary command and said, “Among all those who write in Urdu today, Dr. Haneef Shabab is one of the rare individuals truly deserving of this award. It was long overdue, but it is still a moment to cherish.”

The event also marked the formal release of a collection of poems by the late Syed Ashraf Barmawar, compiled and edited by Dr. Shabab in coordination with Barmawar’s family. Speaking about the late poet, Dr. Shabab shared personal memories and the process of compiling the volume. “Ashraf sahab always resisted the idea of publishing his poetry. I had to convince him several times. Sadly, he passed away before we could see the book in its final form,” he said.

Ashraf Barmawar’s brother and former Tanzeem President, Syed Mohiddin Barmawar, recited a few verses and remembered his late brother’s love for Urdu poetry and his dignified presence in family life. Chief Guest Maulana Ilyas Jakati also spoke about Barmawar’s personality, describing him as someone who bore life’s hardships with patience and grace.

To conclude the event, a Mushaira (Urdu poetry session) was held, featuring poets such as Kokab Zaki from Hyderabad, Ibrahim Nafees from Bengaluru, and local literary voices like Dr. Haneef Shabab, Syed Salik Nadvi, Iqbal Sayeedi, and Abdul Aleem Shaheen.