Shaukat Hayat

Shaukat Hayat Biography

Shaukat Hayat is a modern Urdu writer from Patna, best known as a story teller. He also writes in Hindi. He is best known for his story "Gumbad ke Kabutar". "Baang","Dhalaan Pe Ruke Hue Kadam","Koobad","Mr.Glad","Maadhav","Shikanja" etc are some of his popular short stories. His novelette Sarpat Ghoda also became immensely popular once it got published.  Many of his works reflects progressive movement, and many of his stories have been included in college curriculum. He received "Katha Award” for his story "Gumbad Ke Kabootar” in 1996. The poem was later translated to English and included the book The Eastern brew by Syed Sarwar Husain.

Hayat was born in Patna, Bihar on 1 December 1950. This modern writer holds graduation from Patma University Science College, Master’s in Urdu from Magadh University with a gold medal and also completed NET (UGC). As a writer, Hayat is known as the innovator of new trend in Urdu fiction, often addressed as ‘Anaam Kahani’ or simply, ‘nameless story’ in literary translation. His stories have been regularly published in prominent magazines across India, and a few have been translated to other languages including English. His most popular story "Gumbad Ke Kabootar” was translated to English titled "Pigeons of the dome" by Dr. Sara Rai. This English translation has been included in a couple of published books.

Apart from authoring stories, he has also served as an editor for a few literal works. Baang – his collection of short stories was published in 1976. Collection of essays - Afsaana Workshop Me Shaukat Hayat was published in 1985. His collection of short stories, Gumbad Ke Kabootar got published in 2010. A few of his works are reflections of his personal life and pains.

Published: October 16, 2018

Updated: October 16, 2018