Seminar: Celebrating the truth and beauty in Qasmi’s work

Speakers appreciate the nationalist leanings in his writings.

ISLAMABAD:

Writers and intellectuals at a literary seminar recalled the unique style of noted poet Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi’s prose and poetry, who sensitively explored various aspects of umanity and society.

Friends, family members and admirers had gathered at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) on Tuesday to recall their fond memories and show that Qasmi’s literary contributions live on even after six years of his daeth.

His daughter, Naheed Qasmi, an author herself spoke about how her illustrious father’s writing was a reflection of his persona. She said his commitment to reflect the truth and beauty in art was due to his positive thinking and ability to see the good in every situation. “His writings were not only a source of conveying teh message of humanity and friendship, but also strongly express nationalistic emotions as well.”

Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik presided over the seminar and noted Qasmi’s novelty as a progressive writer who worked to keep the sanctity of Islam and Pakistan intact.

Noted progressive intellectual Professor Yousaf Hassan said, “Qasmi’s influence stretches to wherever Urdu is written and spoken.” He added that he has always been very fond of Qasmi’s poetry in particular as it addresses the many facets of living in Pakistan.

In light of Qasmi’s love for promoting new writers, Farheen Chaudhry, a literary figure, suggested PAL as well as other institutions should continue trying to patronise the youth and build more accessible facilities to encourage reading and writing.

The audience enjoyed readings from the author’s work. Jiya, a student of literature, said, “What I like most about Qasmi’s work is that he wrote both in English and Urdu which makes it more accessible to students today.” “I read his writings in English before Urdu, but the brilliance and raw quality of his English work intrigued me to polish up my Urdu and read his work in his mother tongue which was even better.

The memorial ceremony was part of a series of National Literary Seminars that the academy has been organising all year round to commemorate authors and spread awareness about the richness and diversity of the Urdu language.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2012.