Sheikh Muhammad Younis/Haydrabad

Anil Kumar Chauhan, famous for his calligraphy art in mosques of Hyderabad, was awarded the Rehmat Alam International Peace Award on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

Through his art, Chauhan has contributed greatly to cementing the bonds between Hindus and Muslims. His calligraphy work in the city’s mosques bears testimony to his faith in the unity of humans and the universality of artistic expression.

Chauhan’s life is a living example of a long and patient struggle to prove to the world the oneness of human expression and devotion.

Anil Kumar Chauhan is a non-Muslim calligrapher who has written Quranic verses, Asma Mubarak, in more than 200 mosques. He has not been through formal training in calligraphy, usually offered in Madrasa.

Anil Kumar Chauhan showing his art works to the guests

He hasn’t even studied Urdu or Arabic and yet his work in these two languages is impeccable and flawless.

The award ceremony was organized by All India Bazm Rehmat Alam, a non-political organization whose aim is to serve humanity and ensure the formation of a righteous society and is led by Khwaja Manshan Mansahib Tank.

Famous scholar from Kolkata Maulana Shamim-ul-Zaman Qadri gave away the 6th Rehmat-e-Alam International peace award to Chauhan for his contribution to writing Quranic verses in mosques voluntarily.

Anil Kumar Chauhan has voluntarily written Quranic verses and blessed names in more than 100 mosques for free.

In addition, Chauhan has also left his mark in the courts and monasteries. He is skilled in calligraphy and has mastered Urdu and Arabic script to become one of the most famous and busy artists of Hyderabad.

Bazm Rehmat Alam also organized an exhibition of calligraphy works by Anil Kumar Chauhan on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi. 

Chauhan was always keen on holding an exhibition of his works and therefore he was happy to have finally made it on the Prophet’s birth anniversary. Hundreds of participants showed interest in his works and appreciated his efforts. Those attending the function also included many non-Muslims.

 The day-long function saw hundreds of people witness the exhibition. To add colour to the function, Anil Kumar Chauhan also recited Naat Kalam (devolutional song in praise of Allah).

Anil Kumar Chauhan being felicitated

Anil Kumar Chauhan told Awaz-the Voice that he was very happy to receive the award. He has been serving for the last more than 25 years. 

Chauhan remembered his journey and especially the day he had received a fatwa (decree) from the leading Islamic University Jamia Nizamiya, permitting him to write Quranic verses in the mosque and his religion is not a hurdle in this.

Since that time, he had been regularly writing Quranic verses and the blessed names in mosques and dargahs. He says people show a lot of respect for him.

Anil Kumar Chauhan says “it is the responsibility of the society to encourage an artist.” He thanked the officials of Bazm Rehmat Alam for presenting the award and arranging the exhibition.

Anil Kumar Chauhan said that he was not familiar with the Urdu language as he was only a painter. When he realized that this language was necessary for his art, he practiced it day and night.

In the beginning, he did not understand Urdu but later he fell in love with it due to its sweetness. He mastered the art of calligraphy in Urdu as well as the Arabic language. 

Chauhan believes that language can never be associated with a nation or religion as “languages connect hearts.”

Anil Kumar Chauhan said that an artist has no religion; he conquers the hearts of everyone through his art. He has gained the respect and love of people only for his art.

He said he said that rendering unpaid services in dozens of mosques and writing Qur'anic verses gives a sense of spirituality; the spiritual surge holds him from demanding remuneration for his work.

Chauhan asked art lovers and wealthy people to appreciate and encourage the artist.