PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Monday termed noted Urdu poet Prof Mohsin Ehsan as metaphor of refined literary expressions.

They said that the late poet got international recognition owing to his immense contribution to Urdu, Hindko, Persian and Pashto languages. They said he was a committed poet, who believed in the substance of literary tradition, and considered poetry a tool for highlighting the issues of poor, love for humanism and spreading of peace.

Born in Dhakki Naalbandi area of Peshawar in 1932, Mohsin Ehsan did his masters in English literature from the University of Peshawar and then joined Islamia College Peshawar as a lecturer. He retired as head of English department of the college and died at the age of 78 in London on September 24, 2010.

He was awarded the President’s Pride of Performance award in recognition of his meritorious services to literature.

Speakers pay tributes to late poet for his contribution to Urdu, Hindko, Persian and Pashto languages

The Karwan-i- Hawa Literary Forum (KHLF) in collaboration with the management of Frontier Model School and College organised the event to mark eighth death anniversary of Prof Mohsin Ehsan. Senior writers, teachers, students and fans of the late poet attended the function.

Ali and Aisha, the son and daughter of Prof Mohsin Ehsan, currently based in London, sent a commendation shield for Urdu poet Bushra Farrukh as a tribute to their legendary father.

Addressing as chief guest, Aziz Ejaz said that Prof Mohsin Ehsan used simple diction to convey his message to people as he was a metaphor of refined literary expression, which distinguished him from his contemporary poets.

He said that the late poet had many unique shades both in his literary works and personality.

“Prof Mohsin Ehsan had complete command over Urdu, English, Hindko and Pashto. He authored around 13 books including four popular poetry collections -- Natamam, Naguzeer, Nashuneeda and Naraseeda,” he said.

KHLF chief Bushra Farrukh said that literary giants like Ahmad Faraz, Khatir Ghanavi and many others couldn’t eclipse the literary stature of Prof Mohsin Ehsan because of deep insight and creative talent.

She said that poets like Prof Ehsan rarely found time to groom young writers but he trained a large number of young literati and also left inedible marks on their minds.

Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, former chief of police, said Prof Mohsin Ehsan had been a great pride for the country as he won appreciation for his beautiful poetry from Urdu literary circles spread all over the subcontinent.

Khawaja Wasim, vice president of Abasin Arts Council, Prof Nasir Ali Syed, Prof Nazeer Tabbasum, Prof Abaseen Yousafzai and Iqbal Sikandar also addressed the function.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2018