ISLAMABAD: The literati of the twin cities acknowledged the contribution of Dr Syeda Anis Fatima or popularly known as Fatima Hassan for literature and to feminist movement.

They were speaking at the launching ceremony of the poet’s fourth collection of poetry Faaslon Se Maawara (Beyond Distances) organised by the literary organisation, Zavia, at the National Language Promotion Department on Wednesday.

Professor Fateh Mohammad Malik presided over the event while noted poet Kishwar Naheed, NLPD Chairperson Dr Iftikhar Arif, and Ehsan Akbar were guests of honour. Dr Humaira Ashfaque, Dr Najeeba Arif and Mohammad Hameed Shahid spoke on the book and poetry of Dr Hassan.

Dr Humaira Ashfaque said Dr Fatima Hassan’s new book can be divided into three portions – ghazals, poetry on social issues and spiritual mysticism inspired by Amir Khusro and Shah Latif.

“Her poetry is a lament of the social injustice, exploitation and hopelessness,” Dr Ashfaque said.

“The poet has beautifully depicted the dreams of the society in general and women in particular, religious harmony and agonies of the Palestinians,” she said.

Dr Fatima Hassan is a multifaceted personality and seems fighting at multiple fronts simultaneously, commented Dr Najeeba Arif.

She is one of the few poets who write boldly on feminism. Her poetry focuses on the predicament and exploitation of women, Dr Arif added.

She recalled her contribution in executing Baab-e-Urdu project which is a true depiction of her personality. She is a strong voice against social injustices and patriarchy, Dr Arif said, comparing her poetry to Kishwar Naheed’s.

“Kishwar’s Hum gunahgar aurtein has become an international song for feminist movement and Fatima Hassan’s poetry can rightly be termed as a manshoor (programme) of the movement,” she declared.

Her poetry also shows her maturity, intellect, understanding of social issues, and the pain of solitude, Dr Arif said.

This was also echoed by Dr Mohammad Hameed Shahid, a critic, researcher and writer, who recalled his first encounter with the writer through her second book 25 years ago.

He also spoke about the poet’s journey from Bengal to Karachi and contribution to literature which established her identity as a feminist poet.

“Submission, dialogue, resistance and optimism are prominent elements of her poetry. She also laments on the disharmony of the Muslim states in the backdrop of the atrocities in India-held Kashmir and Palestine,” Mr Shahid said.

Prof Ehsan Akbar, Iftikhar Arif, Kishwar Naheed and Prof Fateh Mohammad Malik also lauded the contribution of Dr Hassan to literature and efforts in bringing diverse ethnic and cultural groups closer in Sindh and raising voice for the downtrodden people.

Kishwar Naheed recalled her poem which was printed by Unesco on a poster regarding women and girls’ rights.

Speaking on the occasion, the poet thanked the organisers for arranging the event and recalled her fond memories with some of them present at the event with anecdotes. She described literary relations are stronger than personal.

She especially mentioned her long association with Qamar Jamil, Zameer Ali Badayuni and Mahboob Khizan who played key roles in shaping her personality and poetry.

“Every literature has soul of its times, without it the poetry or literature will be worthless like a dead body. A poet has its own perspective of society. Every literature bears testimony to its times,” she said.

Earlier Mahboob Zafar, who conducted the event in his introductory remarks, spoke about the various aspects of Dr Fatima Hassan as a poet, writer, researcher and teacher.

Her poetry is drenched in love for the oppressed women whether in Balochistan, Sindh or anywhere in the world, he said.

Hassan has three poetry collections to her credit — Bahte Hue Phool, Dastak Se Dar Ka Fasila and Yaaden Bhi Ab Khwab Huin.

She has also published a collection of stories Kahaniyan Gum Ho Jati Hain. Her research thesis was regarding Zahida Khatoon Sherwaniyah, a pioneer of the feminist movement.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2019