P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Prominent Tajik Figures of the Twentieth Century

233
Tasakkul va Takamoli Afkari Falsafi (Formation and Evolution of Phi-

losophic Thought, Dushanbe, 1980). He was the Chief Editor of the
monumental Ensaiklopediai Sovetii Tojik (Soviet Tajik Encyclopedia,
1978-1988).
Osimov was recognized as a Distinguished National Icon, a Distin-
guished Contributor to Tajik Science and Culture, Head of the Paivand
(Connection) Committee, and Vice-President of the Association of
Tajiks from Around the World. He also won the Jawaharlal Nehru Prize
in 1980. He garnered two Orders of Lenin, two Orders of the Red Ban-
ner of Labor, the October Revolution Award, the Order of the Patriotic
war 1
st
class, the Order of the Red Star, the Badge of Honor, medals,
and the Honorary Order of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of
Tajikistan.
Osimov was murdered on July 29, 1996, in Dushanbe.
Otakhonova, Khursheda
Tajik poet and literary critic Khursheda Otakhonova was born in
Uroteppa in 1932. She joined the CPSU in 1959.
Otakhonova graduated from Tajikistan State University with a de-
gree in Persian language and literature in 1953. She worked at the
Rudaki Language and Literature Institute from 1953 until 1972, when
she became its director. Her early articles appeared in the 1950s.
She has researched the works of S. Aini, Lahuti, Tursunzoda, and
Muhammadjon Rahimi. Her contributions include "Rahim Jalil va Osori
U" ("Rahim Jalil and His Works," 1962), "Padidahoi Navjui" ("Innova-
tive Phenomena," 1972), "Paivandi Hiss va Andisha" ("The Relation
Between Feeling and Thought," 1982), and "Tahavvoloti Doston dar
Nazmi Mu'osir" ("The Development of Story in Modern Verse," 1983).
Otakhonova joined the Union of Writers of Tajikistan in 1968. She
was decorated with the Red Banner of Courage and the 100
th
Anniver-
sary of the Birth of Lenin Prize.