The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Typical test of patience

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 16, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Typical test of patience

J.S. Ifthekhar

Hyderabad: He is not exactly edgy, but one can detect traces of unease in his speech. Yakoob Miran Mujtehadi knows Rome was not built in a day. But he is running out of patience waiting for his dream to come true.

All he wants is to see his labour of love fructify. It has taken him 25 long years to write the most comprehensive ever Urdu-English dictionary. This is not to speak of the money, sweat and a protracted legal battle with a publishing house. And two years after he came out of the tangle, there is no sign of the lexicon seeing the light of the day.

"I am 75 years now. My only wish is to see my work published in my lifetime," says Mr. Mujtehadi, his eyes brimming with longing.

It was in 1967 that he thought of compiling a modern Urdu-English dictionary when he found the existing lexicons lacking in words and terms of common usage. He was 48 then and now in the evening of his life, his work is far from complete. For the last two years, his 2,812-page dictionary has been waiting to be published, but there is none to do the job. He doesn't have the wherewithal to print it himself.

A good Samaritan, Syed Abdul Khader Jeelani, offered to publish the three- volume lexicon. A grand function was also held announcing the decision some nine months ago. But so far, the project remains a pipe dream.

Need fulfilled

Mr. Mujtehadi's lexicon is unique in that it contains the largest number of phrases, idioms, technical, medical and scientific terms. Some 90,000 entries to be precise. It will not only fulfil the long-felt need of Urdu-speaking people but also be a ready reckoner for translators, scholars, teachers and students.

Why doesn't he approach the Urdu Academy to publish the dictionary? Mr. Mujtehadi doesn't think the cash-strapped body will evince interest. Even if 500 copies are brought, out a staggering Rs. 8 lakh will be required, it is said.

Mr. Mujtehadi's well-wishers, however, counsel patience for him. But the aged lexicographer recites this couplet to depict his anguish.

Tassali pe tassali de raha hai baghban laikin

Chaman mein rahne walon ki pareshani nahin jati.

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