Ahmedabad, 28th July 2026 – In a historic academic programme organised at the School of Languages, Gujarat University, research scholar Sheikh Haseena Ali Muhammad Sahiba successfully completed the open viva voce (oral examination) of her Ph.D. thesis titled "Mazharul Haq Alvi: Hayat Aur Adabi Khidmaat". This research was completed under the distinguished guidance of Dr. Nazema Ansari Sahiba, Associate Professor, Gujarat Arts and Science College, and has been recorded as another significant achievement in the academic history of Gujarat University.

On this occasion, the External Examiner Prof. Dr. Sajid Ali Qadri Sahab, Head, Department of Urdu, S.P.D.M. Arts, S.B.B. & S.H.D. Commerce and S.M.A. Science College, Shirpur, District Dhule (Maharashtra), conducted a detailed evaluation of the thesis. He appreciated its high academic standard, originality, in-depth study, and the logical and satisfactory answers presented by the research scholar. He recommended the award of the Ph.D. degree and further recommended that, after necessary revisions, the thesis be published in the form of a book.

This is the third historic Urdu Ph.D. completed under the distinguished guidance of Dr. Nazema Ansari Sahiba after two successful Urdu Ph.D. completions on 6th April 2026, adding another glorious milestone to the academic tradition of Gujarat University. This achievement is not merely the completion of a research thesis but also a symbol of the revival of Gujarat’s rich academic and literary heritage.

The tradition that blossomed from the Khanqah of Hazrat Shah Wajihuddin Alvi (Rehmatullahi Alaih) produced great literary personalities such as Wali Dakkani Sahab, regarded as the father of Urdu poetry, Waris Hussain Alvi Sahab, Muhammad Alvi Sahab, and Mazharul Haq Alvi Sahab, who made invaluable contributions to Urdu language and literature in the fields of poetry, criticism, research, and translation. After a long interval, Gujarat University has revived this glorious tradition and added a new chapter in the history of Urdu research.

Mr. Mohmed Irfan Qadri Sahab, belonging to a renowned Sufi saint family of Gujarat, played an important role as a bridge in this research endeavour by introducing research scholar Sheikh Haseena Ali Muhammad Sahiba to the family of Mazharul Haq Alvi Sahab. His timely support, efforts, and guidance helped establish meaningful communication between the researcher and the Alvi family, enabling access to authentic information, valuable references, and important research material. He expressed his pride in being associated with this significant academic contribution.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Nutan Kotak Sahiba, Director, School of Languages. She congratulated the research scholar, research supervisor, and the Department of Urdu, describing this research as an important contribution to the literary history of Gujarat.

In his presidential address, Prof. Mohiuddin Bombewala Sahab, Director, Pir Muhammad Shah Library, highlighted the academic, literary, and research contributions of Waris Hussain Alvi Sahab, Muhammad Alvi Sahab, and Mazharul Haq Alvi Sahab. He stated that their works are an invaluable heritage of Urdu literature, which needs to be taken to the new generation.

Zainul Abideen Ansari Sahab, Member, Urdu Academy, Gujarat, stated that such research not only preserves Gujarat’s academic and literary heritage but also connects the new generation with its cultural and literary identity.

Eminent social worker Mrs. Yasmin Vora Sahiba (Khan) expressed happiness over this achievement and said that such quality research on the literary luminaries of Gujarat are invaluable treasures of Urdu literature. She added that women taking the lead in higher education and research is a matter of pride for society and a source of inspiration for future generations.

A large number of teachers, researchers, students, scholars, and literature lovers participated in the programme and congratulated the scholar on this historic achievement. They expressed hope that such high-level research on the great academic and literary personalities of Gujarat will continue in the future.

“Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain,

Abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain.

Tu shaheen hai, parwaz hai kaam tera,

Tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain.”