Books written by others on Dr. Farman’s life & work
The Life of Farman Fatehpuri
It is nearly impossible for anyone who is even remotely invested or enthusiastic about Urdu literature to have not heard of the legendary writer and critic Farman Fatehpuri. Farman Fatehpuri is considered amongst the most influential Urdu writers of Urdu literature, and rightly so. Farman Fatehpuri, during his lifetime, was considered the premier authority on the writings of Ghalib and Allama Iqbal.
Farman Fatehpuri was born Syed Dildar Ali on January 26, 1926, in Fatehpur in the United Provinces in the British Raj (now known as Uttar Pradesh). His father died at an early age, and Farman Fatehpuri’s mother remarried to provide him with a comfortable life. Farman Fatehpuri went on to complete his schooling in Allahabad in 1948. He graduated from Agra University in 1950. He migrated to Pakistan in 1950 and settled down in Karachi. He completed his Master of Arts, LLB, B.T., and M.A.(Doctorate) from Karachi University in 1965. Farman Fatehpuri was a Professor of Linguistics at Karachi University, Pakistan, and retired after nearly 30 years. He also acted as chief editor and secretary of the Urdu Dictionary Board, which he helped founded in 1985.
It was after his immigration to Pakistan that Farman Fatehpuri really got into writing. He also joined as an editor of the famous Urdu journal Nigar, and worked under his mentor Niaz Fatehpuri. He went on to write over 60 books in the Urdu language, which is recommended to everyone who is even remotely interested in learning more the Urdu literature. For his contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Urdu language, Farman Fatehpuri was awarded one of the highest civilian honors in Pakistan Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in 1985.
Farman Fatehpuri also went on the serve as a member of the Civil Services Board of the Sind Government from 1996, which is among the many achievements and accolades that Farman Fatehpuri collected in his span. This famous writer, poet, researcher, linguist, and critic passed away on August 3, 2013, in Karachi due to old age. However, one can safely say that the impact Farman Fatehpuri has had on Urdu literature will be felt by many of our future generations. The books written by Farman Fatehpuri are widely recommended to art students at every level. And this is something that is not only limited to the shores of Pakistan. No, the influence of Farman Fatehpuri is widespread around the world. And while one might find it challenging to get their hands on the original copies written by Farman Fatehpuri as there are so few remaining, there are many reprints available and online copies that one can read.