As an author Prof Zahuruddin won special recognition among litterateurs and lovers of Urdu for his works “Development of Urdu language in Jammu region” (English), which was his part of his D Lit thesis.
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Renowned peace activist, litterateur, J&K chapter chairperson Pakistan India Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) and former Head of the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Prof Zahuruddin passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. He was 75.
“Born in a very remote hilly terrain of Dudu-Basantgarh of erstwhile Udhampur district in Jammu region, Prof Zahur rose to eminence by his hard work, perseverance and carved his distinctive niche in academic, literary arenas and later in post-retirement life as a peace activist and member PIPFPD committed for the cause of communal harmony and Indo-Pak friendship,” Kashmir Times reported.
Prof Zahuruddin joined the Department of Urdu, Jammu University as a lecturer in 1973 and rose to the position of its Head, a position which he held for seven years from 1993 to 2000. He also served as the Registrar and Controller Examination, University of Jammu, besides serving as Dean Faculty of Arts for three years, the report said.
During this period, he also won accolades for his literary works. As an author Prof Zahur won special recognition among litterateurs and lovers of Urdu for his works “Development of Urdu language in Jammu region” (English), which was his part of his D Lit thesis, “Urdu Drama Aur Haqeeqatnigari”, “Jadeed Urdu Drama” and “Trilok Chand Mehroom as a poet”, critically evaluating the poetic works of father of legendary Urdu litterateur Prof Jagan Nath Azad, the report said.
Pakistan India Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) and J&K state chapter of PIPFPD condoled the demise of their long-time member, who was also chairperson of J&K chapter.
“Prof. Zahuruddin’s immense contribution to the cause of communal harmony and peace between India and Pakistan will be remembered by Forum members. We vow to take forward his commitment to peace, democracy and justice. He will be remembered for his unflinching faith and commitment to democratic ideals and humanist values. In the field of peace activism, he leaves behind a vacuum in the region. PIPFPD deeply mourns his death,” PIPFPD said.
He is survived by his wife Mrs Doori – a retired plus two lecturer and two sons Dr Suhael Zahur and Asir Zahur, an engineer by profession.