DR Shams Kamal Anjum---The Ploymath and The Polyglot

DR Shams Kamal Anjum---The Ploymath and The Polyglot

Dr Basharat Khan 

Writers, critics, translators and poet are the architects of imagination, infusing vitality into literature by encapsulating the human essence in narratives. As cultural ambassadors, they bridge linguistic gaps for global resonance. With discerning eyes, they provide insights, guiding readers through layers of meaning. Together, they constitute a symbiotic quartet, enriching the literary landscape in a dynamic exchange that transcends boundaries.

In today's column, I invite you to explore the brilliance of one of the finest writer, translator, poet and critic of Arabic and Urdu literature.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum emerges as a celestial beacon, casting a luminous glow across the vast expanse of poetry and prose. He inherits a legacy steeped in the eloquence of words and the beauty of verse, from his father, Maulana Dr. Hamumidul Ansari Anjum--a luminary whose brilliance graced scholarship, oratory, journalism, and poetry. Dr. Shams, bearing this torch of profound literary tradition, navigates the intricate tapestry of intellectual heritage.

As a distinguished academic leader, Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum holds a B.A. from the Islamic University in Medina Munawara, followed by M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Arabic. He contribution in establishment of the department of Arabic, Urdu and Islamic Studied at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir is laudable.He headed the Arabic Department for thirteen consecutive years. He has etched himself as a prominent figure in the academic landscape.

His educational journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Arabic, reflects a profound commitment to scholarship rooted in Arabic literature. Steering the academic discourse and fostering cultural awareness as the department head, Dr. Shams Kamal Anjam emphasizes linguistic and literary enrichment.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum has held various significant academic roles at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri. Currently serving as the Associate Dean for the School of Islamic Studies and Languages since September 28, 2021, he has also taken on the role of Associate Dean for the School of Management Studies and the School of Social Sciences since May 18, 2023.

His extensive tenure as the Head of the Department of Arabic lasted from December 12, 2009, to October 21, 2022, spanning an impressive 13 years. Dr. Shams played a pivotal role as the Founder Coordinator/Head in proposing and establishing the PG Programme/Department of Urdu, contributing from July 2017 to March 2021. Similarly, he was instrumental in founding the PG Programme/Department of Islamic Studies during the same period.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum's leadership continued as the Head of the Department of Urdu at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, from August 11, 2021, to October 28, 2021. Moreover to his academic roles, he has been serving as the Provost of Sir Syed Hall since August 1, 2018, and took on the responsibility of Deputy Chief Warden at Sir Syed Hall in 2018.

His diverse roles showcase a longstanding commitment to academic excellence and institutional leadership.

Beyond the academic realm, Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum is a prolific author, poet, critic,educationist translator and administrator, contributing over three dozen Arabic and Urdu books alongside 150, articles and essays. His multifaceted expertise seamlessly blends academic prowess with a profound literary sensibility, leaving an enduring legacy in education, literature, and cultural enrichment.

Dr. Shams is a polymathic figure adorned with the richness of academic prowess, literary finesse, research acumen, creative flair, and poetic sensibilities. His multifaceted persona extends beyond the realms of education, weaving a tapestry of compassion as a teacher, dedication as a scholar, and contemplation as a poet, fiction writer, and translator.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum literary journey resonates with the harmonious blend of intellect, creativity, and a profound understanding of the cultural intricacies that define the human narrative. His legacy, akin to an enduring masterpiece resonate with a profound fascination for Urdu, Persian literary domains. Despite this expansive interest, the core of his literary oeuvre finds expression predominantly in Arabic and Urdu literature, garnering commendation from both Arabic and urdu speaking intellectuals and a broader audience appreciative of diverse literary flavors. His writings serve as an exquisite fusion, blending the nuanced tastes of Arabic literature into the canvas of Urdu expression.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum's literary repository includes a plethora of research and critical works in Arabic and Urdu literature. Within these volumes, he delves into the realms of modern Arabic literature, the artistry of Arabic prose, the odyssey of Arabic criticism, the eloquence encapsulated within the Holy Quran, the historical tapestry of Medina Munawara, the poetic marvel "Balaghal ula bekamalehi (a collection of eulogistic poems), Arabic and Persian, modern Arabic poetry, and the comprehensive anthology of Dr Sham Kamal Anjum's works, among others.

His contributions, exemplary and transcendent, surpass the confines of academia. Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum has been lauded with numerous awards, recognizing his outstanding achievements in the realms of education and literature. Among these accolades, the outstanding Researcher Of The Year Award 2017 at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University stands prominently. Another noteworthy acknowledgment is the Allama Syed Sulaiman Nadvi Award for Translation, bestowed upon him in Delhi.

Moreover to his Arabic publications, Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum's has made a significant mark with several books published in Urdu and Arabic like Deputy Nazeer Ahmed; Arabi ke Jayyed Aalim , Be misaal Insha Perdaaz aur Shair, Maktoobaat e Hammad Anjum Advocate,Bayaban Se Gulshan E Hazar Rang Tak, Ghubar E Hayat, Maqalaat E Hammad Anjum,Kulliyat E Anjum, Arabi Nasr Ka Fanni Irteqa, Balaghat E Quran E Kareem,Jadeed Arabi Shairi, Noqoosh e Jaawedan, Imam Nasiruddin Albani ke Haalat e Zindagi Phoolon Ki Baarish (Collection of Urdu Ghazals), are shining a light on his prose and poetic expressions in both Urdu and Arabic. His short stories and articles grace the pages of local newspapers regularly. 

Shamsur Rahman Faruqi delves into Dr. Shams's modern Arabic literature book "Al-Adab al-Arabi al-Mu'asir," emphasizing its exceptional translation. 

"The book skillfully weaves reliable insights into Shauqi's life and achievements, modern Egyptian literature, and Egyptian poetry. Notably, it adeptly portrays the continuing impact of Western influences on Egypt over the past two years."

Similarly Professor Quddus Javed highlights Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum's literary contributions, noting his profound exploration of Arabic poetry and literature. 

"Dr. Shams, with his knowledge of the Arabic language, eloquently fulfills the responsibility of presenting the history, interpretation, and position of Urdu language and literature in an exceptionally pleasing manner."

Dr. Reyaz Tawheedi Kashmiri commends Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum as an erudite educator.

"Dr. Shams's translations of important Arabic literary texts into Urdu showcase a compelling scholarly style, appealing to readers."

Beyond enhancing comprehension, his books inspire thoughtful reflection, revealing intellectual depth across diverse subjects. Overall, his insightful works serve as a valuable source of education and guidance, illuminating readers on various topics, including literature and ethics."

As a distinguished member of various literary organizations, he maintains an active association with Urdu-Arabic journals and magazines. Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum's engagement extends further as he takes a proactive role in organizing literary seminars, discussions, and symposiums.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum literary journey resonates with the harmonious blend of intellect, creativity, and a profound understanding of the cultural intricacies that define the human narrative. 

His legacy, akin to an enduring masterpiece, continues to reverberate through the corridors of time, leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of literature.

Dr author is a writer, columnist, critic and blogger. He can be reached at this email.