Syed Abul Khair Kashfi, former chairman Department of Urdu, University of Karachi, has passed away here on Thursday. Born circa 1931 in Kanpur, India , Syed Muhammad Abul Khair Kashfi was a noted author, researcher, critic, linguist and scholar of Urdu literature and linguistics.
He was associated with the University of Karachi as Professor and Chairman Department of Urdu from 1958 to 1994. He was also a Visiting Professor at the Osaka University of Foreign Studies, Japan. After retirement, Dr Kashfi devoted his time to writing, guiding research, public speaking and media appearances.
Dr Kashfi earned MA and PhD degrees in Urdu from the University of Karachi in 1952 and 1971, respectively. The title of his PhD thesis was "The Historical and Political background of Urdu Poetry from 1707 to 1857".
He also received a master degree in Teaching of English as a Second Language from Teachers' College, Columbia University in 1968. His published works include: Hayat-e-Muhammadi-Quran-e-Majeed K Aaine Mayn, Urdu Sha'iri ka Siyasi aur Tarikhi Pasmanzar-1707 to 1857, Hamare Ahed Ka Adab Aur Adeeb, Jadeed Urdu Adab K Do Tanqeedi Jaezay, Hamary Adabi Aur Lisani Masail, Yeh Log Bhi Ghazab Thay, Ghalib Ki Chheh Ghazlen, Naat aur Tanqeed-i-Naat and others. Syed Abul Khair Kashfi has left behind a widow, son and four daughters to mourn his death.-PR