KARACHI: Eminent short story writer, novelist and columnist Zaheda Hina was given the lifetime achievement award at an event organised by the Progressive Writers Association (Karachi chapter) in collaboration with the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the monthly magazine Nabz at PMA House.

The programme, held earlier this week, was divided into two parts. The first was the launch of a couple of books — Kitab-i-Dil and Paed Se Bicchdi Shaakh — by Najma Usman.

Shedding light on the salient features of the publications, Naseem Anjum said Kitab-i-Dil is about the writer’s Haj pilgrimage written with love and affection.

The second book is a collection of her short stories. “Her tales invite the reader to mull over certain important aspects of life. They’re not ordinary stories but highlight their characters by virtue of effective dialogue.” In that connection she mentioned two piece — Majju Mian and Sita Ka Banbaas.

Najma Usman said she owes a debt of gratitude to those who had put together the award ceremony for including her in it. About Ms Hina, she remarked, “She deserves the lifetime achievement award.” The writer, who lives in the UK, then briefly spoke on her books.

In the second half of the event, presided over by Noor Ul Huda Shah, poet Attiya Dawood delivered the keynote speech.

She said when she was asked to speak on Ms Hina, she thought she had read all of her stuff and it would not be a hard to task to talk about it. But when she began to revisit her stories, she realised it’s difficult because even Ms Hina’s tales that the reader has already read many a time hold the reader by the scruff of his neck and don’t let him go away.

The poet added that the witty side of the author was not known to many of her fans. She recalled her visits to other countries with her and revealed that even during a serious discussion Ms Hina would whisper something in her [Dawood’s] ear that would bring a smile on the poet’s face.

Ms Shah also lauded the life and creative work of Ms Hina.

Ms Hina in her address to the attendees went down memory lane telling them about her place of birth, Sasaram, in India and subsequent migration to Pakistan.

She thanked and was all praise for the province of Sindh for welcoming her and playing an important part in her upbringing, education and her career as a writer.

She also thanked the organisers and participants of the programme, namely Rahat Saeed, Ms Shah, Ms Dawood and Dr Shershah Syed.

Among the long list of speakers and those who sent their messages from different parts of the world for the author included Mazhar Jamil, Muslim Shamim, Dr Shershah Syed, Raza Ali Abidi, Safdar Zaidi, Masood Qamar, Ashfaq Hussain ,Naseem Syed and Saeed Naqvi.

Dr Aftab and Saima moderated the event.

Riaz Shahid Dayo, Noor Ul Huda Shah and Rahat Saeed gave the award to Ms Hina.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2023