LAHORE: A book containing published works of the late Professor Eric (Ejaz) Cyprian, titled ‘Discourse on Life’, was launched at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture here on Saturday.

The ceremony was organised by the Sanjh Publications and South Asian Writers and Artists Network. It was presided over by activist, lawyer and former politician Raza Kazim.

Speaking on the occasion, Minorities Alliance Chairman Nazir Qaiser said Professor Eric had a great interest in poetry and he would often ask him (Qaiser) to recite the verse: Hum Agar Aaj Khawab Dekhain Gay / Loag Kal Inqilab Dekhain Gay.

Journalist and rights activist Hussain Naqi said Professor Eric was a very kind teacher. Remembering good old days when he got admission to the Islamia College Civil Lines in 1958, Mr Naqi said those were the Martial Law days and a proposal was floated that the college should have a students’ union.

The question was that who would make the constitution for the union and the first name that appeared was that of Professor Eric, he said. Many students of the Government College used to come to the Islamia College Civil Lines to attend his classes, he said.

Mubarik Haider said Eric was a great teacher and the hallmark of his personality was his down-to-earth nature and patience. He said when Jawaharlal Nehru came to Lahore he wished to meet Professor Cyprian. He said Eric had great expectations from the younger generation.

Professor Ajaz Anwar, president South Asian Writers and Artists Network, said he had a few meetings with Eric who established Fine Arts Society at the Islamia College Civil Lines.

The artists who used to come to the college with artworks were dropped back to their homes in the car of Professor Eric, he said, adding that Eric’s most favourite student was Ghulam Rasool, a renowned painter of the country.

Journalist Masoodullah Khan said the columns published in the book ‘Discourse on Life’ were a wonderful read for professionals and new writers.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Secretary General IA Rehman said the students of Professor Eric should compile the memories of their teacher and get them published in a book. He said the columns in the book were written by Professor Eric when he was in his 80s.

Raza Kazim, in his brief remarks at the end, paid tribute to Professor Eric.