KARACHI: The media industry in Pakistan considers Yawar Mehdi an icon for his countless achievements and the way some of his students and associates showered praise on the former station director of Radio Pakistan was nothing short of commendable.

At the launch of Hum Ka Istiyara by Syed Oun Abbas, at the Arts Council on Saturday, people who benefitted from Yawar Mehdi got together to thank him and that included Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani, senator and broadcaster Khushbakht Shujaat, arts council secretary Prof Ejaz Farooqi among others.

The book penned by young author Abbas covers the life and times of Yawar Mehdi and how he changed the literary scene in Karachi. Those who spoke on the occasion praised both the writer and the subject and credited ‘Bazme Talba’ for introducing many faces to the news and entertainment industry of Pakistan.

Tribute paid to the radio icon

Khushbakht Shujaat praised Yawar Mehdi as the brother who kept helping her by pointing out her shortcomings. She told the audience that when she watched TV these days, all she could think was: “Had these people been mentored by Yawar bhai, they would have done better.”

Former commissioner Karachi Shafiqur Rehman Paracha spoke about his association with Yawar Mehdi, terming him to be the person who climbs stairs instead of taking the elevator. He credited Yawar sahib as the person who gave the idea of Virtual University long before it became a phenomenon and also as the person who pushed for Urdu commentary on the radio.

Mian Raza Rabbani accused Gen Ziaul Haq of trying to curb talented individuals such as Yawar Mehdi who gave their life to a cause. He claimed that no one could take Yawar Mehdi away from the radio because if they do that, then all that would be left would be the impressive building without a soul.

Syed Oun Abbas told the audience that Yawar Mehdi was an inspiration for youngsters and that was one of the many reasons why he chose to write a book on his achievements. He also thanked all those who guided him during the course of writing the book, now available in the market.

In the end, the writer presented the book to Yawar Mehdi who named some of his students —including Raza Rabbani and Khushbakht — before ending the ceremony with huge thanks.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2017