Edited by: Altamash Khan;
Today, while Professor Shafey Kidwai retires, may I start this piece with his words that I partially remember, ‘The job of the teacher is to uncover the syllabus, not to cover the syllabus,’ and with this, may you keep uncovering for us the treasures of wisdom that keep us going.
After an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Professor Shafey Kidwai has retired from his position as a professor in the Department of Mass Communication at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to media education, literary criticism, and journalism, leaving an indelible impact on both the academic community and the broader field of communication. Professor Kidwai’s academic journey is distinguished by his dedication to teaching and research in various facets of mass communication. Since 1985, he has imparted knowledge in subjects such as film studies, broadcast journalism, editing, sports journalism, and Urdu journalism. His expertise and passion have shaped the careers of countless students, many of whom have gone on to make notable contributions in media and related fields.
Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Professor Kidwai has held the position of chairman of the Department of Mass Communication at AMU on four occasions, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the department’s growth and excellence. His administrative acumen has been instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to academic rigor and innovation. In recognition of his scholarly work, Professor Kidwai has received several prestigious awards. Notably, he was honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019 for his Urdu work “Sawanah-e-Sir Syed – Ek Bazdeed,” which offers a nuanced exploration of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life and contributions. This accolade places him among the esteemed litterateurs from AMU who have been recognized by the Sahitya Akademi, including Prof. Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqui and Prof. Shahryar.
His literary repertoire extends to twelve published books in both English and Urdu, encompassing critical analyses and translations. His book “Urdu Literature and Journalism: Critical Perspectives,” published by Cambridge University Press in 2014, has been widely acclaimed for its insightful examination of the interplay between Urdu literature and journalism. Additionally, his translations of works like “Michael Madhusudan Dutt” and “R.K. Narayan” have contributed to cross-cultural literary appreciation. Professor Kidwai’s influence also extends to his role as a columnist and book reviewer for prominent publications such as The Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Outlook, and The Frontline. His fortnightly column “Going Native” in The Hindu’s Friday Review received widespread appreciation for its cultural and literary insights. In February 2024, recognizing his deep understanding of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s legacy, Professor Kidwai was appointed as the Director of the Sir Syed Academy at AMU. This role allows him to continue his scholarly pursuits and further the academy’s mission of promoting Sir Syed’s vision and contributions.
As Professor Kidwai steps into retirement from his teaching duties, his legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the generations of students he has mentored. His career stands as a testament to the profound impact that dedicated educators and scholars can have on academia and society at large.
About the Writer:
Altamash Khan is a contributing journalist who completed his journalism studies at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. He has over half a decade of experience writing on a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to technology and Brands. In addition to his journalism work, he works as a Public Relations and Brand Strategist, helping communicate Brand messages to the World. He would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Leave a comment below or reach out via the social media handles.