60 books published in series
ISLAMABAD – “Pakistan Academy of Letters has published 60 books in series of “Pakistani Adab Ke Memar”. It was not only appreciated in the circles of critics and scholars but students and general readers have also hailed it”.
These views were expressed by Iftikhar Arif, Chairman, Pakistan Academy of Letters, while briefing about the recently published four books of the series here on Thursday.
Recently PAL published four books of series of Pakistani Adab Ke Memar namely “Syed Abid Ali Abid: Life and Works” by Dr Saleem Akhtar, “Prof. Ahmed Ali: Life and Works” by Dr Mohammad Kamran, “Col Mohammad Khan: Life and Works” by Brig (Retd) Mohammad Ismaeel Siddiqui and “Ahmed Shameem: Life and Works” by Muneera Shameem. Iftikhar Arif said that Syed Abid Ail Abid poet, fiction writer, dramatist; expert in Iqbaliyat, translator and educationist is a prolific writer. His books on Iqbal are the most important references for researchers and critics.
His achievements in the field of translation like “Dastan-e-Falsafa”, “Meeras-e-Iran” and “Qasaid-e-Qaani” are also considered to be a worthy contribution in Urdu language.
Dr Saleem Akhtar, one of the finest critics of Urdu literature, has covered thoroughly the literary and other personalities of Syed Abid Ali Abid and prepared a reference for the students and critics, who want to understand the achievements of Syed Abid Ali Abid.
He said that Prof. Ahmed Ali’s contribution in fiction, novel, poetry, drama, history, education and beaurocracy are versatile and praiseworthy. He translated Quran into English. His short story was included in the controversial book “Angaray”. His novel “Twilight in Delhi” is considered to be an important piece of writing in English literature of the subcontinent. Other than Urdu this novel has been translated into Portuguese, French and Spanish as well. Dr Kamran has done a wonderful job by producing a comprehensive document on the life and work of Prof. Ahmed Ali.
He said, “Col Mohammad Khan is a humanist with a different flare and style in Urdu. His books like “Bajang Aamad”, Bazam-e-Aaraian” and Baslamat Ravi” are ranked high by the critics. He made his mark with his first book and gradually mastered his art and never ran after the cheep ways to promote himself.” He said Brig (r) Mohammad Ismaeel Siddiqui has done a very wonderful job by producing an authentic and comprehensive document on the life and writings of Col. Mohammad Khan. In the book “Col. Mohammad Khan: Life and Woks” different aspects of Col. Mohammad Khan’s personality are discussed.
He said that Ahmed Shameem is one the major literary formalities in modern era. He is considered to be a major poet of the tradition established by the poets like Mehjur and Azad. As a poet he was very concerned about the human rights, equality and justice. Journalism, drama writing, fiction, poetry and articles writing are some of the dimensions of his creative personality.
The letter he wrote to his wife has been published in a book form and has got much appreciation from the critics. Through these letters we get the opportunity to look closely in to his inner self. He contributed a lot in modern Urdu poetry through a combination of modernism and progressive movement ideology.
He said Muneera Shameem’s book on life and work of Ahmed Shameem is comprehensive and authentic. She spent a life with him and knows him more than anyone else.
Saeeda Durrani does the job of editing and publishing of the books. Well-known painter Ahmed Habib makes the pencil sketches of celebrities published on the title of the books.
Source: The Nation
Date:4/4/2008
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
