Ansari releases anthology of modern Urdu literature

New Delhi, Dec 17 (UNI) Vice-President Hamid Ansari released the two volumes of 'The Oxford India Anthology of Modern Urdu Literature' at a function here today.

Edited by Ms Mehr Afshan Farooqi, these volumes survey the field of Urdu Literature from the mid-19th to the late 20th century, encompassing the period of 100 years of literary production with about 90 authors and over 130 selections.

These include major genres like poetry, drama and fiction as well as essays, autobiography and letters.

Addressing the function, Mr Ansari said Ms Farooqi had done a favour to all by publishing such a valuable book on Urdu literature, which was desperately needed.

''This is a new way to entice people and a great service to the language as well as the readers. A good and distinctive literature could be created through an open interaction of ideas and a free translation of classic text,'' he said.

Congratulating the editor of these volumes, the Vice-President said the focus of selection in these volumes is on literary excellence.

He hoped that these volumes would enlighten the general readers as well as the students and scholars of Urdu literature.

A number of literary personalities and dignitaries were present on the occasion.

UNI