the journal urdu adab was launched in july 1950 from aligarh. it was a quarterly publication of the anjuman taraqqi urdu hind, with ale ahmad suroor as its first editor. the journal itself stated: "this is the first critical journal of its kind in india, publishing scholarly and research-based articles." it also mentioned: "the articles published in urdu adab hold the status of independent literary works." indeed, urdu adab was a significant publication, known for not publishing creative poetry. however, in 1965, it released a special issue on creative writing, which included poetry, ghazals, short stories, essays, and plays. in the january–april 1951 issue, under the section sukhan hai guftani (words worth saying), it was written: "we have always strived to maintain the highest standards of critical analysis with research and precision in this literary journal of anjuman taraqqi urdu hind. in this way, we aim to guide literary taste and promote refined literary appreciation."