In a thought-provoking moment at a book launch, a student asked, “How does real change actually come?” This question, though simple, resonates deeply in a society constantly grappling with how to bring about meaningful transformation. The event was centred around Jo Mujh Say Ho Saka (What I Could Do) – a book, by Hussain Naqi, associated with principled journalism and moral courage. The student’s inquiry was not rhetorical but carried the weight of restlessness and hope. If change is possible, what route does it take?
Professor Dr Jaffar Ahmed’s response turned the discussion into a moment of civic education. He didn’t offer grandiose slogans or emotional outbursts. Instead, he spoke of a method that is simple but powerful: “Write letters like Ulfat, and change will come.” This statement, while seemingly a compliment, carried profound responsibility. Dr Ahmed was not just praising the act of writing but emphasising its importance as a tool for social change.
In an age of overwhelming noise, where posts and tweets dominate public discourse, meaningful change often gets lost in the clutter. This is where letters and op-eds come into play. Unlike fleeting expressions, a well-written letter is not written for applause; it is a carefully constructed argument that can endure and provoke action. It turns anger into reasoned demand and protest into respectful documentation.
Throughout history, letter writing has been central to civic movements. Dr Jaffar Ahmed referenced organisations like Amnesty International, where ordinary citizens, through respectful and persistent letters, applied moral pressure on powerful institutions. A letter, unlike a viral post, creates a record i.e. a form of documentation that can’t be easily ignored.
Ultimately, change doesn’t come from loud desires but from methodical, disciplined action. Dr Ahmed’s words remind us that writing is not just a literary exercise but a civic duty. If we aim for change, we must write with clarity, dignity and purpose, knowing that our words, though quiet, have the power to shape the world.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
