The Lion of Bihar: Ghulam Sarwar's Unwavering Fight for Urdu and the Marginalised

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 11 January 2025 Ghulam Sarwar also known as Sher-e-Bihar was a fearless journalist, politician, and Urdu advocate who dared to fight for justice and redefined cultural identity. He diligently stood up for the rights of all marginalised sections. Main Points: 1. Ghulam Sarwar, born in Begusarai in 1926, excelled academically, earning a Gold Medal in Urdu literature, which later fuelled his activism. 2. He led a successful movement to make Urdu the second official language of Bihar in 1981, advocating for cultural identity and representation. 3. Sarwar served as MLA, Education Minister, and Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, focusing on education, Urdu inclusion, and farmers' welfare. 4. As editor of Sangam, Sarwar exposed corruption and injustice, making the newspaper a powerful tool for change. 5. Despite his passing in 2004, Sarwar’s contributions to justice, equality, and Urdu preservation continue to inspire movements and leaders in Bihar. ---- (Ghulam Sarwar) ------- A Life Dedicated to Service and Struggle Ghulam Sarwar was born on 10 January 1926, in Begusarai, Bihar. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, language, and the marginalised. Popularly known as Sher-e-Bihar (The Lion of Bihar), he was a fearless journalist, a dynamic orator, and a steadfast politician. Born into privilege—his father, Sheikh Abdul Hameed, was a Deputy Collector—Sarwar chose a life of struggle, dedicating himself to Urdu, social justice, and public service. Sarwar's educational journey was exemplary. After his schooling, he pursued a BA in English literature from Patna College and an MA in Urdu literature from Patna University, where he won a Gold Medal. His academic background fuelled his activism, equipping him to articulate the grievances of the downtrodden and challenge systemic injustices. The Pen as a Sword Sarwar began his journalism career with the Urdu weeklies Naujawan and Saathi, but it was Sangam, which he launched in 1953, that became synonymous with his name. Initially a weekly, Sangam became a daily in 1963 and went on to capture the hearts of millions. Its editorials were so sharp that the government’s policies were not spared; it exposed corruption and injustice. Sangam was eagerly read across Bihar; in fact, people often refused to have their morning tea without it. Such was the demand for the paper that at times it was sold on the black market. Under Sarwar’s editorial leadership, Sangam became more than a newspaper—it was a movement that shaped public opinion and galvanised political action. Sarwar’s gutsy journalism often brought him into conflict with the establishment. His prose was so sharp and incisive that it is claimed to have caused discomfort even to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Congress leaders attempted to win him over using money and authority, but Sarwar chose poverty over compromising his ethics. A Tireless Campaigner for Urdu The greatest legacy of Ghulam Sarwar is his promotion of the Urdu language. As an ardent champion of its cause, he made it possible to have Urdu recognised as the second official language of Bihar in 1981. His struggle for Urdu was not merely about preserving a language but also about reclaiming cultural identity and ensuring representation for marginalised communities. As General Secretary and later President of the Bihar Reyasati Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu, he sustained the movement with remarkable dedication. Hunger strikes, conferences, and public campaigns were part of the effort to demand Urdu’s rightful status, invoking Article 374 of the Indian Constitution. Sarwar’s leadership ultimately ensured that Urdu attained official recognition in Bihar. Sarwar’s vision extended beyond Bihar. His efforts resonated in Uttar Pradesh and other states, inspiring a broader movement for the recognition of Urdu. Even after achieving official status for the language, Sarwar continued to advocate for its practical implementation in governance and education. The Revolutionary in Politics Sarwar’s activism naturally led him into politics. A lifelong opponent of the Congress party, he mobilised the Muslim community against its policies, linking Urdu with political representation. His slogan during the 1967 elections, “Whoever will make Urdu the second official language in Bihar will get Muslim votes,” turned the language into a decisive political issue. Sarwar’s political career began in earnest in 1977 when he won the Bihar Legislative Assembly election from Siwan. Later, he represented Keoti (Darbhanga) in 1990, 1995, and 2000. During Karpoori Thakur’s government (1977-79), Sarwar served as Education Minister. He established the Bihar State Madrasa Education Board and worked towards pay parity for madrasa teachers. He also granted recognition to minority girls’ schools and Urdu schools, advancing educational opportunities for marginalised communities. Later, as Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (1990-95), Sarwar established a dedicated Urdu department, ensuring its representation in government institutions. As Agriculture Minister (1995-2004), he worked tirelessly to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. The Writer Behind the Leader Sarwar’s contributions were not limited to politics and journalism. He was a prolific writer whose works include Parakh and Maqalat-e-Sarwar, both acclaimed for their literary and critical insights. His jail diaries, Goshay Mein Qafas Ke and Jahan Ham Hain, written during his imprisonment under the Defence of India Rules (DIR), provide a powerful account of state repression and the resilience of the human spirit. Sarwar’s writing chronicled not only his struggles but also inspired a generation of activists and intellectuals. His ability to intertwine personal experiences with broader social and political commentary made his works enduringly relevant. A Legacy of Courage and Compassion Sarwar’s life was marked by his courage and compassion. Despite being imprisoned six times between 1964 and 1971, he remained steadfast in his principles. He often went beyond his professional responsibilities, distributing his salary among the needy and supporting social causes with unwavering dedication. His colleagues and contemporaries have lauded his contributions. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan described him as “a man of good intention, with a wide heart and superb mind,” adding, “Sarwar’s life was dedicated to the downtrodden.” Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav stated, “He was a sincere leader who did not do anything for himself but did a lot for the deprived people. Today, we must promise to make his vision a reality as a true homage to him.” Masoom Ashrafi, one of Sarwar’s colleagues, highlighted his role in the Urdu movement, saying, “Ghulam Sarwar went village to village and street to street for the Urdu Movement. At last, Urdu was granted the status of the second official language in Bihar.” The Decline of the Urdu Movement Despite Sarwar’s monumental efforts, the Urdu movement in Bihar has seen a decline since his passing on 17 October 2004. The Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu, once a vibrant force, has become a government-dependent entity, losing much of its earlier dynamism. Sarwar’s dream of a robust and independent Urdu movement remains unfulfilled, highlighting the need for renewed efforts to uphold his vision. Remembering the Lion of Bihar On his birth anniversary, 10 January, Bihar remembers Ghulam Sarwar as a leader who dedicated his life to justice, equality, and cultural preservation. His work as a journalist, politician, and activist continues to inspire leaders across the spectrum. State President of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-e-Muslimeen, Akhtarul Iman, emphasised the need for a revival of Sarwar’s approach, stating, “There is a need again to start a movement in the style of Ghulam Sarwar.” As Bihar observes Urdu Day in his memory, the legacy of Sher-e-Bihar serves as a reminder of the power of words, the strength of convictions, and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the greater good. Sarwar’s story is not just a chapter in Bihar’s history but a beacon for those who strive for justice and cultural preservation in the face of adversity. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/ghulam-sarwar-unwavering-urdu-marginalised/d/134300 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism