Shihab Kottukad, President of Pravasi Rehabilitation Center (L) presenting a bouquet to Dr. Hifzur Rahman during an event held in the latter's honor in Riyadh. (SG photo by Faisal Aboobacker Ponnani)Dr. Rahman's PhD subject was “Social Trends in Saudi Novels”. His research has been compiled into a book and printed and published by Jadawel S.A.R.L, a Beirut-based publisher. The 400-page book is noted as a resource for contemporary Saudi Literature. Dr. Rahman's research deeply touches and goes through socio-political subjects, social inclinations, tribal themes, history, traditions, culture, customs, the problem of late marriage, divorce, poverty, polygamy, female education, urban and rural developments, social ups and downs and economical booms. He focuses on poetry, prose and other forms of literature concerning all aspects of Saudi life and heritage. Dr. Rahman hails from Asamghat in India and he completed his postgraduate research at Jamia Millia University, Delhi. He explained that, during the course of his study, he has gone through more than 200 novels during his four-year tenure at the embassy in Riyadh. Initially, he began his research in Saudi poetry and its comparison with Urdu poetry, during his stay at the Indian consulate in Jeddah. He is also the author of a 415-page book entitled “India`s Contribution in Promoting Arab Heritage”. Last week, Dr. Hifzur Rahman was honored by Pravasi (expatriate) Rehabilitation Center (PRC), a renowned Indian socio-cultural and charity organization based in Riyadh for his unique achievement. “As an Indian, we are proud of him as he is the first Indian scholar to receive a doctorate in Saudi literature,” remarked Shihab Kottukad, President of PRC, during a ceremony hosted to commemorate the achievement. C.M. Habib, Basheer Vadanappally, Nisar Pallikkasseril and Suresh Shankar – well known social workers and executive members of PRC – were also present at the unique event. Dr. Rahman has now been transferred to Tunisia, as Head of Commission and Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy there and he will leave Riyadh in the first week of July.
