Award Controversy Hits Karnataka Urdu Academy: Eminent Poets Return Awards in Protest
🔎 Subject Summary:
Prominent Urdu poets and writers in Karnataka have returned their state literary awards in protest against alleged nepotism, protocol violations, and arbitrary functioning of the Karnataka Urdu Academy. Accusations include awards being given to relatives of officials, unqualified individuals, and disregard for proper procedures, while Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan remains silent.
Bengaluru: In an unprecedented move in the history of the Karnataka Urdu Academy, two prominent Urdu poets and scholars — Prof. Maher Mansoor and Prof. Shah Madaar Aafi — have returned their awards in protest, citing what they allege as rampant irregularities, nepotism, and insult to the Urdu language and its literary contributors. The controversy has snowballed into a full-blown scandal, raising serious questions about the functioning of the Academy and the role of the State’s Minority Welfare Department.
Authoritarianism and Lack of Transparency
Allegations have surfaced that the Karnataka Urdu Academy is being run with little to no consultation with its appointed members. Chairman Maulvi Mohammed Ali Khazi and Registrar Maaz Khan stand accused of taking unilateral decisions, bypassing the committee, and acting in an autocratic manner.
“There were no meetings, no discussions — only decisions being imposed,” claimed insiders, alleging that the Academy has effectively turned into a fiefdom, run on personal whims rather than public interest.
Nepotism in Award Distribution
The controversy deepened when it came to light that Registrar Maaz Khan allegedly awarded his own mother — an Urdu teacher — with an official Academy award. Similarly, Academy Member Natiq Alipuri is said to have facilitated an award for his brother, who recently completed a PhD in Urdu.
Such actions have triggered outrage in the literary community. “Awards are supposed to be a recognition of outstanding contribution, not familial favours,” said a senior Urdu scholar, requesting anonymity.
Violation of Protocol and Questionable Selections
As per official protocol, such prestigious awards are traditionally handed over by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or at least the Minority Affairs Minister. However, in this case, the entire event was allegedly conducted without observing protocol, with critics questioning the rush and motive behind it.
Even more controversial was the decision to confer an award on Rizwan Asad, a person reportedly unfamiliar with reading or writing Urdu. “Was this a reward or a deal?” quipped an observer from the literary circle, implying that bribes may have influenced the selection.
Unofficial Awards and Financial Misuse?
In another questionable move, the Academy reportedly announced 10 additional awards of ₹10,000 each, which were never part of the original scheme. Critics allege this was a ploy to exhaust funds and misuse the Academy’s finances.
“It seems these people are running the Urdu Academy as if it’s a private trust, not a public body,” remarked Urdu social worker Al-Haj Babaji. “And what’s worse is that senior poets and writers — many of whom dedicated their lives to the promotion of Urdu — were given a mere ₹10,000 without even a proper memento. Is this how we honour our literary heroes?”
Poets Return Awards, Slam Insult to Urdu
Prof. Maher Mansoor and Prof. Shah Madaar Aafi made headlines by returning their Academy awards in protest. According to Prof. Mansoor, “The Chairman and Registrar are violating all norms and destroying the dignity of the Urdu Academy. This is nothing short of institutional decay.”
Prof. Madaar echoed the same concerns: “When a student of mine receives ₹50,000 and I, his teacher, am given just ₹10,000, what does it say about the selection process? There is no logic, only favoritism.”
Political Patronage and Minister’s Silence
It is said that during the erstwhile Chairmanship of prominent poet Mub
een Munawwar there were awards given to many eminent poets, writers but there has been no any sort of complaint or grievances. Several quarters allege that the Chairman’s appointment was a political reward. Khazi, a known associate of Maulvi Tanveer Hashmi — who campaigned for the Congress during the 2023 elections — is said to have secured the post based on recommendations to Minority Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Despite mounting criticism, Minister Khan has not initiated any inquiry, leading to further allegations of shielding political appointees. “Is this the model of governance the Minister wants to promote?” questioned a community activist. “It appears that most positions in Minority Affairs are handed to political puppets rather than capable individuals.”
Demand for Probe Grows
From poets and writers to community leaders, calls are growing for a thorough investigation
into the affairs of the Academy. Allegations of unnecessary tours, lavish spending, and financial mismanagement have further tarnished the institution’s image.
Equally surprising is the silence of Karnataka Minorities Commission Chairman U Nisar Ahmed, whose office is adjacent to the Urdu Academy. Despite being well aware of the situation, he has chosen not to speak out.
Conclusion: Urdu Deserves Better
Once a respected institution, the Karnataka Urdu Academy now finds itself mired in controversy. The return of awards by respected literary figures has sent a strong message to the government: Urdu is not to be disrespected or politicized. The community now awaits a response — not just from the accused officials — but from the government that promised dignity and empowerment to minorities.
📢 Key Quotes:
Prof. Maher Mansoor (Poet):
“They’ve turned the Academy into a private fiefdom. Awarding someone’s mother or brother — is this how literary merit is measured now?”
Prof. Shah Madaar Aafi (Poet):
“Returning my award was a painful but necessary step. This is not protest for personal gain — it is for Urdu’s dignity.”
Al-Haj Babaji (Urdu Social Worker):
“A ₹10,000 award without even a memento is a mockery of the contributions of Urdu stalwarts. If the Minister won’t honour them, who will?”
Anonymous Urdu Scholar:
“From political rewards to silent ministers — this isn’t governance, it’s degradation of a beautiful language and its legacy.”
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Why did the poets return their awards?
A: They cited nepotism, irregularities, and humiliation of genuine Urdu contributors, accusing the Academy of losing its credibility.
Q: Who are the main individuals under fire?
A: Chairman Maulvi Mohammed Ali Khazi and Registrar Maaz Khan, both accused of unilateral decision-making and favoritism.
Q: Has the government responded?
A: So far, no official response or probe has been announced by Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, raising eyebrows across the Urdu community.
Q: What’s the demand now?
A: Literary figures and community leaders are demanding a high-level inquiry and replacement of the current leadership with credible Urdu scholars.
🕰️ Context & Background:
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Institution Involved: Karnataka Urdu Academy, a government-supported body for promoting Urdu language and literature.
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Key Figures Accused:
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Chairman: Maulvi Mohammed Ali Khazi
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Registrar: Maaz Khan
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Key Allegations:
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Nepotism in selection of awardees
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Awarding non-Urdu speakers
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Violation of event protocol and misuse of funds
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Absence of committee consultations
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Political interference and appointments
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Protest Action:
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Renowned poets Prof. Maher Mansoor and Prof. Shah Madaar Aafi returned their awards in symbolic protest.
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Minister Involved: Zameer Ahmed Khan, Karnataka Minister for Minority Affairs, accused of ignoring the issue.
#AwardWapsi #UrduAcademyScandal #SaveUrduAcademy #KarnatakaPolitics
#MinorityAffairs #ZameerAhmedKhan #PoetsProtest #UrduAcademyUnderAttack
