Based on the research of 29 editorials, appearing in Urdu Book Review, a New Delhi-based unique bimonthly magazine of its kind, the new book “Urdu Book Review Ke Idaariye Aur Tajziye” (Editorials of Urdu Book Review and Its Analysis) by Dr Ghazanfar Iqbal, a Gulbarga-based young litterateur and critic, is a good addition to the serious and objective Urdu literature. “Urdu Book Review”, edited by the 45-year old Arif Iqbal for the last 11 years, is known for setting a new trend in Urdu media. It is the only Urdu magazine that deals with the books only.

Although its target is Urdu books, it covers time to time the important books in English and Hindi also. Its review of English books, particularly “100 Great Muslim Leaders of the 20th Century”, published by the think tank Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), has proved that it has also a say in the books of other languages. Its obituaries have too earned a reputation. Its obituary section is very rich. It covers personalities belonging to all schools of thought and communities. Most of the personalities that remain uncovered elsewhere are covered here.

This bimonthly is read also for its editorials. Although sometimes in aggressive tone, it deals with the direction, objective and progress of Urdu language as well as the books being published in this language in a non-partisan way. Its area of operation is wide. The books published in Urdu in any part of the world come under its purview.

The 29-year old Dr Ghazanfar Iqbal has short-listed only 29 editorials for analysis in the book under review. The number 29 in the age of the author and number of editorials selected makes an interesting coincidence. The book begins with a note “Harfe Akhlaas” by Hamid Akmal, Editor,” “Eiqaan” and “Aalami Shama”, Gulbarga (Karnataka). It is followed by “Harfe Awwal” by the author himself. The piece on editorial writing is, indeed, a masterpiece. There is also a comprehensive introduction of Urdu Book Review’s Editor Arif Iqbal.

The editorials shortlisted include 1. Urdu Ki Zameen Badal Chuki Hai, 2. Urdu Naashereen Ki Akhlaqui Haalat, 3. Nai Dehli Aalami Kitab Mela Aur Hindustani Zabanon Ke Nashereen, 4. Urdu Mein Bachchon Ki Ibtedai T’alim, 5. Urdu Kitab Mela Ya Baba-e-Urdu Ka Urs, 6. Nai Dehli Aalami Kitab Mela 2002, 7. Print Media per Ghair Mulki Yalghaar, 8. Urdu Ki Haqeeqi Duniya Aur Hamare Adeeb, 9. Urdu Ki Hayaate Nau Ke Liye Char Nukati Mansuba, 10. Gaon Aur Qasbe Mein Library Ka Qayam, 11. Urdu Ki Haqeeqi Taraqqi Keya Hai?, 12  Mohibban-e-Urdu Ka Almiya, 13. Urdu Sahafat Ka Badalta Mizaj, 14. Urdu Zabaan Ke Saudagar , 15. Urdu Zabaan Banam Urdu Adab, 16. Doordarshan Urdu Channel: Haqeeqat Keya Hai?, 17. Qaumi Council Ka Haalya Almiya, and 18. Manzil Abhi Door Hai.

The topics itself answer the question as to what actually prompted the author to do research on the editorials of Urdu Book Review.

Dr Ghazanfar Iqbal, who is the son of Prof Hameed Suharwardi, Head, Department of Urdu and Persian, Gulbarga University, and has done PGDMTU course of journalism from Hyderabad Central University, has done a critical appraisal of the said 29 editorials in his analysis. One hopes the book with rich contents and in beautiful get-up and printing would help the lovers of Urdu to make the language more rich and objective---Review By A U Asif.   

Book: “Urdu Book Review Ke Idaariye Aur Tajziye”; Author: Dr Ghazanfar Iqbal; Year of Publication: October 2006; Pages: 136; Price: Rs 100; Publisher: Kaghaz Publishers, Saibaan, Zubair Colony, Hagarga Cross, Ring Road, Gulbarga-585104 (Karnataka); Distributor: Urdu Book Review, 1739/ 3 (Basement) New Kohinoor Hotel, Pataudi House, Darya Ganj, New Delhi-110002; Tel: 08472-26167.