Riasath Ali Asrar, also known as Ray Ain Asrar, is an Indian Urdu poet, literary activist, and cultural historian from Hyderabad, India. He is recognised for his efforts in preserving and promoting Urdu and Dakhni literature and for making traditional literary practices accessible to younger generations.^[1]

Riasath Ali Asrar was born in Hyderabad, India, and spent part of his childhood in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He hails from a literary family, with his paternal grandfather, Riyasath Ali Taaj, and his maternal grandfather, Yaqoob Dard, both being poets. This literary environment influenced Asrar, who began writing poetry at the age of 14.^[2]

Riasath Ali Asrar is known for his active role in promoting Urdu and Dakhni literature. In 2018, he co-founded the literary organisation Anjuman-e-Fanaan with fellow poet Zaki Haider. The organisation focuses on organising workshops, open-mics, and poetry symposiums in Hyderabad, aiming to make Urdu poetry more accessible, especially to younger audiences.^[3]

Asrar has been a prominent figure in the preservation of Dakhni literature, a dialect of Urdu with a rich historical legacy in the Deccan region. He served as the research and editorial coordinator for The Deccan Archive, where he contributed to projects integrating Urdu literature with the cultural heritage of the Deccan.^[4] In 2020, he founded the Kabikaj Foundation, an initiative focused on discovering, preserving, and digitising rare manuscripts and books related to the Deccan’s literary and cultural history.^[5]

Asrar's work has extended beyond literary circles, as he has used digital platforms to engage with a wider audience. His initiative has been particularly successful in attracting younger generations to the rich traditions of Urdu and Dakhni poetry.^[6]

Asrar has been a speaker at various cultural and literary events, including the Hyderabad Literary Festival, where he has delivered talks on topics such as "Making Ghazal Multilingual" and "Science and Urdu Poetry." His efforts in promoting Urdu poetry have been recognised at multiple literary platforms.^[7] His work has also been featured in literary discussions and articles, highlighting his role in bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary Urdu literary practices.^[8]

Asrar's poetry and literary contributions have been featured in various publications, including Tulip magazine and The New Indian Express. His works are accessible through platforms like YouTube and his personal blog, where he continues to share his thoughts on Urdu literature and its cultural significance.^[9][10]

Riasath Ali Asrar is regarded as a significant young voice in the Urdu literary community, particularly for his efforts to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary literary practices. His work in preserving and promoting Dakhni literature has made him a key figure in the cultural preservation of the Deccan region.^[11][12]