Sarfaraz Khan

Dr Firdous Khan is an Islamic scholar, poet, short-story writer, journalist, and translator. Known as “The Princess of the Isle of Words”, her writings are about life’s hardships. Through her poetry, she conveys the soft sensations of love. Her poetry touches the minds and hearts of listeners.

Dr Firdous Khan is associated with the Sufi tradition. She considers her late parents, Khushnudi Khan alias Chandni Khan, and Sattar Ahmad Khan, as her ideals.

The author of Fahm al-Qur’an, a highly acclaimed book, says, “My mother was a very pious and devout woman. From childhood, I saw her immersed in worship. Watching her awakened our interest in worship, and at a very young age, a desire to acquire spiritual knowledge also took root. While writing Fahm al-Qur’an, I realised that I had not wasted my life on transient things. In truth, the purpose of our life is to seek Allah’s pleasure. My work is the path that leads me to that destination; it is part of that very discipline.”

She also wrote Pioneers of Ganga–Jamuni Culture, a book based on the lives and philosophies of Sufi saints, published in 2009 by Prabhat Prakashan Group’s Gyan Ganga. The book is widely discussed and is referred to by PhD scholars working on devotional and Sufi traditions.

She recalls: “I wrote my first poem in the sixth grade. I recited it to my parents, and they loved it. Father got it published in an evening newspaper. The poem was widely praised. Thus began my journey of writing and publication.”

Dr Firdous Khan worked with Doordarshan, All India Radio, and prestigious newspapers and magazines of the country for many years.

“I share a heartfelt bond with All India Radio. I grew up listening to the radio, and later became associated with it. Our first radio program was broadcast on December 21, 1996. Everyone at home was so happy that day—Papa’s joy knew no bounds. I have countless beautiful memories connected with radio, and my affection for it remains just as strong today. Similarly, I have many cherished memories with Doordarshan.

“As children watching television, we never imagined we would one day become part of it ourselves. In November 2002, we joined Doordarshan as a producer and assistant news editor. That period, too, was a very beautiful and memorable time in my life.”

In addition, she has written scripts for many documentaries, television plays, and radio dramas. She also writes for newspapers, magazines, books, and news and feature agencies in India and abroad.

She has served as editor of the monthly Paigham-e-Madre-Watan and as an editorial advisor to the monthly Vanchit Janata. Currently, she is an editor with Star News Agency.

Dr Firdous Khan has also participated in mushairas and poetry conferences. She trained in Hindustani classical vocal music for several years. She says:

“After my poem was published in the literary magazine Geetkar, I started receiving invitations for mushairas that began arriving from far and wide. We also had the opportunity to participate in a national poetry conference organised by India’s Ministry of Culture, along with many other literary gatherings.”

For excellence in journalism, skilled editing, and outstanding writing, she has received numerous awards. On Hindi Day, September 14, 2014, ABP News honoured her in Delhi with the Best Blogger award for her writing on literary subjects.

In 2005, the American Biographical Institute’s Professional Women’s Advisory Board nominated her for its list of successful women. Government College, Hisar, honoured her with the Best Writer award, and the Haryana Small Newspapers Association conferred upon her the Best Journalist award. She has received many other honours as well, including two honorary doctorates. She says:

“Our words translate our emotions and thoughts, because our words are our identity. Readers liking what we write is the greatest honour for us.”

Dr. Firdous Khan writes in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English. Her English poems are especially appreciated abroad. She translated the national song Vande Mataram into Punjabi, which received wide acclaim.

She has also served as editor of Bhor Da Tara, a Punjabi journal of Government College, Hisar. She wrote a poem on Rahul Gandhi as well, which was widely praised.

She also writes blogs and maintains several of them. Fahm al-Qur’an is her blog on the Holy Qur’an, featuring her writings of the same name. Firdous Diary hosts songs, ghazals, poems, stories, and other literary pieces.

Meri Diary focuses on society, environment, health, literature, art and culture, politics, and contemporary issues. The Princess of Words features English poems and writings. Jahannuma is dedicated to Urdu writings, Heer to Punjabi writings, and Rahe-Haq to spiritual writings.

Dr Firdous Khan has also been associated with public service. She worked for several years as a post warden with the Civil Defence Department in Hisar. She is also the founder and president of Anurag Sahitya Kendra.

Recently, she was included as a featured writer in Shri Yadvendra Yadav’s book Bharatiya Musalmanon Ki Gaurav Gathaein, which presents her as an author deeply connected to her culture and guiding society toward a new direction.

Speaking of her aspirations, she says:

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“What we wanted in life, we did not get—but we received far more than that. We sought the earth and were given the sky. We received so much that the desire to want anything more has itself faded.”

(Sarfraz Khan is a poet, writer, and journalist.)