Identity: Fiction Writer, Dramatist, and Distinguished Author of Children’s Literature

Wakeel Najeeb (original name: Abdul Wakeel) was born on 1 July 1946 in Nagpur. He received his early education at Bait-ul-Uloom Urdu Primary School and later at Hisamia Urdu Middle School. In 1964, he passed matriculation from Anjuman Higher Secondary School, Nagpur, and enrolled in SFS College for a B.Sc. degree. However, due to the death of his father, his education was temporarily interrupted. In 1965, he was appointed as a teacher at Islamia School, Mominpura, Nagpur. Alongside his job, he continued his studies and later completed his B.A., B.Ed., and M.A. in Urdu.

Wakeel Najeeb is regarded as a prominent and seasoned figure in Urdu literature. He has contributed significantly to various literary genres including novels, short stories, drama, travel writing, and children’s literature, though he gained particular recognition as a novelist. So far, he has published nineteen novels, six collections of short stories, two collections of plays, three travelogues, and a collection of poems for children. All of his works are original and reflect his sustained creative engagement with literature.

His notable novels include Masoom Bujoka, Commutan, Mehrban Jinn, Insaniyat aur Darindagi, Siyah Raat, Nawab Bandai Wala, Sazish, Janbaaz Shehzade, Paanch Bhai, and Ghamgusar. Among his story collections, Wapsi, Jungle Ki Amanat, Apna Dukh Apni Khushi, and Shumali Hindustan Ki Sair are especially noteworthy. His children’s stories such as Khaufnaak Haveli, Anokha Inaam, Qatil Papa, and Tiffin Box have also been widely appreciated.

Wakeel Najeeb is also recognized as an important writer, critic, and researcher in children’s literature. He possesses a deep understanding of children’s psychology, interests, and problems. His language is simple, fluent, lucid, and engaging, making his writings popular among both children and adult readers alike.