Our writers, our heroes: Who says the pen is mightier than the sword, writers wonder

Speakers attempt to determine why writers are not considered heroes.

KARACHI: Writers are losers. They are lazy people. We consider firefighters and soldiers as heroes because they save lives. "Why should a person, who sits in a corner and writes, be considered a hero?" asked Mohammed Hanif sarcastically.

He was addressing students and teachers at a literary event, 'Our Writers, Our Heroes', along with other famous writers the likes of Salman Tarik Kureshi and Shazaf Fatima Haider on Friday evening at Beaconhouse DHA campus.

Haider was critical of the general perception about writers, stressing they should be considered heroes because they make us better human beings.

The panelists discussed why authors were not considered heroes by the younger generation today. "We are not encouraged to read at a young age and things such as television and video games act as major distractions," said Kureshi. "This event aims to encourage young people to read more and think objectively about the society we are a part of." He added that today's society only values consumerism and subjects that would help earn money and get jobs. There was a time when poets were valued in society, but not anymore. "We want to encourage young people to experience this because literature connects the society", said Yasmin Aqeel, the regional director of the Beaconhouse School System, while speaking to The Express Tribune.

Speaking to students about her writing routine, Haider said that one had to be receptive to inspiration and would often have to sit and wait for hours for it. "Sometimes, not writing is as much a part of writing as writing is," she explained. "I think anybody can write but I don't think everybody should write or get published," she said wryly.

A student asked Hanif if he wrote to fuel his passion or to effect change in society. The writer's response was both witty and diplomatic. "I am a journalist and whenever I feel the need to effect change in society, I write about the issue," he said.

"There is a certain energy you put into your writing which is picked up by your readers," said Haider. "If your words are empty, then they cannot pick it up." According to her, books should also carry the narrative of negative aspects of our culture, along with the positive. "We do have an image problem but I think we need to be honest about our problems so we can change them", she added.

In response to another one of the never-ending questions by the curious young minds, Tarik added: "There is much more to read then there ever was so you have to choose what to read".

On this note, Haider was of the belief that one should read everything and not wait for their teachers or other people to recommend. She assured a student who raised the issue of lack of literature for young adults in Pakistan that her new novel was aimed at young adults and will help in solving this problem. "Anything that appeals to you is meant for you to read no matter who it's for, so read it".

The event ended with a reading session by actress Nimra Bucha, followed by performances by students and teachers. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Omaima Anees, a student commented: "Books make us better human beings and shape our personality. That is why writers should be our heroes".

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2014.