KARACHI: It was an inspirational experience to see a nonagenarian celebrating his birthday along with the launching of a book written in his honour and presented on the occasion.

Mohammad Ahmad Sabzwari, writer of several books on economic issues, has defied age and continues to write columns for an Urdu daily.

The book—Mohammad Ahmad Sabzwari: Fun-o-Shakhsiat — written by Dr Razia Hamid, was launched under the aegis of the Bhopal International Forum and the Arts Council with Jamiluddin Aali in the chair.

Dr Aslam Farrukhi (guest of honour) Prof Hamid Mir, Abdul Haseeb Khan and Naqqash Kazmi spoke about Sabzwari Saheb, while Raghib Moradabadi and Mukhtar Ajmeri paid their compliments in verses. Prof Zahid Mahmood and Prof Ahmad Rifai read out papers on Sabzwari’s contribution to economics and the banking sector.

Mohammad Ahmad Sabzwari’s first book on banking was published before Partition, later, he edited the monthly Maashiaat (an Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu publication), compiled banking terms for the State Bank and translated the Human Development Resources in South Asia by Dr Mahboobul Haque.

Jamiluddin Aali paid lavish compliments to him. Others lauded his commitment to writing and doing hard work with zeal and courage. The host bodies presented the gifts. Owais Adeeb Ansari thanked the guests. Javed Manzer did the compering.—HA