Md Zahidul Haque takes charge as director of Khuda Bakhsh library

Patna: Urdu scholar and academician Md Zahidul Haque on Monday took charge as the new director of the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library. He succeeded officiating director Siddharth Singh, who is also the vice-chancellor of Nav Nalanda Mahavihara. The post had remained vacant for the past two years following the exit of Syesta Bedar.

This is the first time the Central govt has entrusted the leadership of the internationally acclaimed institution to a scholar specialising in Urdu language and literature. Haque, currently associated with the Urdu department at the University of Hyderabad, is widely recognised for his contributions to Urdu literature, research, education and cultural studies.

Soon after assuming office, Haque conducted a detailed inspection of the library and interacted with officials of various departments to understand ongoing work and future plans. Given his background in research, teaching, writing and manuscript studies; scholars and library experts believe that the institution is poised for significant growth under his leadership.

The Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library is one of India’s most renowned research libraries, known globally for its rare manuscripts, historical texts and invaluable collections related to Islamic, Persian, Arabic and South Asian studies.