Patna, June 1, 2026: Renowned Urdu scholar, literary critic, poet, and academician Professor Md. Zahidul Haque has formally assumed charge as the Director of the prestigious Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna, on June 1, 2026. Significantly, this marks the first time that the Government of India has entrusted the leadership of the internationally acclaimed institution to a scholar specializing in Urdu language and literature.
Professor Haque is currently associated with the Department of Urdu at the University of Hyderabadand is widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to Urdu literature, research, education, and cultural studies. An alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he began his academic career at the University of Delhi before serving briefly at Shibpur Dinobundhoo College under the University of Calcutta. He later joined the University of Hyderabad, where he rose to the rank of Professor through his distinguished academic service.
Over the years, Professor Haque has established himself as a respected literary figure in Urdu studies. He is known not only for his poetry but also for his contributions as a critic and researcher. His acclaimed works include Inamullah Khan Yaqin: Ahd aur Shayari, Bisat-e-Naqd: Tanqidi Mazameen, and Atharvin Sadi mein Urdu Ghazal ka Fikri Nizam. His scholarly writings have received appreciation from eminent literary personalities including Professor Muhammad Hasan, Professor Wahab Ashrafi, Professor Irtiza Karim, Professor Ghazanfar Ali, and Professor Safdar Imam Quadri.
More than 100 of his research papers have been published in reputed peer-reviewed journals, earning him recognition within academic and literary circles. Acknowledging his extensive contributions to education, culture, and Urdu literature, the Union Ministry of Culture appointed him as the Director of the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library.
Soon after assuming office, Professor Haque conducted a detailed inspection of the library and interacted with officials heading various departments to understand their ongoing work and future plans. Given his strong background in research, teaching, writing, and manuscript studies, scholars and library experts believe that the institution is poised for significant growth under his leadership.
During the formal handover ceremony, Prof. Siddharth Singh, former Director-in-Charge of the Khuda Bakhsh Library and Vice-Chancellor of Nav Nalanda Mahavihara, extended his best wishes to the newly appointed Director.
The appointment has been widely welcomed by teachers, students, researchers, and Urdu language enthusiasts across the country. Many have described Professor Haque’s arrival at the historic institution in Azimabad (Patna) as a positive and promising development, expressing confidence that the library will achieve new milestones under his visionary guidance.
About Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library
The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, located in Patna, is one of India’s most celebrated research libraries. It is internationally known for its rare manuscripts, historic books, and invaluable collections related to Islamic, Persian, Arabic, and South Asian studies. The library serves as a major center for research scholars from across the world.
