Hafiz Ahmed is an Indian teacher, poet and social activist of Miya origin.[1][2]

Hafiz Ahmed
Born (1962-09-07) 7 September 1962 (age 62)
NationalityIndian
Alma materGauhati University
Occupation(s)Teacher, poet, author, columnist, social activist
OrganizationChar Chapori Literary Council
Known forPioneer of Miya poetry, Assamese language promotion
SpouseRashida Ahmed
ChildrenShabnam Hafiz, Safdar Hafiz
Parents
  • Madhu Miah (father)
  • Somjan Nessa (mother)

Early life and education

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Ahmed was born in Kapoha in Barpeta on 7 September 1962. He was raised in a traditional Muslim family and his parents' names were Madhu Miah and Somjan Nessa. Ahmed belongs to the Miya community which migrated to Assam from Bengal during the British Raj. He completed his PhD in Assamese literature at the prestigious Gauhati University.[3]

Career

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In 2016, he pioneered an Assamese poetic genre known as Miya poetry.[1][4][5] He is the chairman of the Char Chapori Literary Council in Assam, which aims to spread the use of the Assamese language to the Miya community. The Miya, who reside in the state's riverine areas, historically conversed in Bengali but are drifting towards Assamese identity and language.[5]

Personal life

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Ahmed is the father of two children; Shabnam Hafiz and Safdar Hafiz.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Assam's Bengal origin Muslims choose poetry to confront stereotypes and prejudices". Two Circles. 1 May 2016. Archived from the original on 9 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  2. ^ "Assam Against Itself". The Caravan. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  3. ^ "আসামের মিঞা কবিতার ইতিহাস, ভূগোল ও দেশপ্রেম" [Assam's Miya poetry's history, geography and patriotism]. Indian Express Bangla. 30 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  4. ^ "মুসলিমদের 'মিঞা কবিতা' নিয়ে আসামে বিতর্ক কেন?". BBC Bangla. 15 July 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  5. ^ a b "কবিদের গ্রেফতার বলে দেয়, অসমের জনসমাজ কত বিপন্ন". Anandabazar Patrika. 2 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.