Towering literary figure lost in Hyder's death: PM

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of eminent Urdu writer Qurratulain Hyder, stating that the country had lost a prolific writer and a towering literary figure.

In a message to the niece of Ms Quarratulain Hyder, the President said she was sad that the multifaceted personality and a prolific writer was no more.

''Ms Qurrat-ul-ain Hyder was a renowned Urdu writer, an academic and a journalist. In recognition of her writings, she was conferred Jnanpith Award and Padma Bhushan. She will always be remembered for her short stories and novels,'' the President said.

Expressing deep grief, Dr Singh said she was a great teacher and scholar famous in India and abroad.

''She was one of the most celebrated and prolific writers of Urdu literature. Aag Ka Dariya, her magnum opus, is a landmark novel that explores the vast sweep of time and history.

''In her unfortunate passing away the country especially Urdu literature has lost a towering literary figure. She will be truly missed in literary circles in the country,'' Dr Singh said.

UNI