ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Sunday paid tributes to the late Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi on his 100th birth anniversary with a screening of a documentary on the legendary poet, as well as a talk on his poetry and short stories and a recitation of his most well known ghazals.

Renowned writers, intellectuals and poets spoke of Qasmi’s contribution to literature, and highlighted his work as a poet, journalist, novelist, critic and playwright. Many said he was an important factor in the promotion of the progressive literary movement.

A documentary on Qasmi’s life and works, ‘Nadeem Kahani’, produced by Amjad Islam Amjad, shed light on various aspects of the poet’s literary and personal lives. In it, contemporary writers and poets shared their fondest memories of Qasmi.

Vocalist Farrukh Mehdi, a student of the legendary Mehdi Hassan, recited ‘Khuda Karey Ke Meri Arze Pak Per Utray Woh Fasle Gul Jisay Indesha-i-Zawal Na Ho’.

Born Ahmad Shah Awan in the Angah village in the Khushab district in 1916, Qasmi earned international acclaim for his works, and wrote over 50 books on a wide range of topics in both Urdu and English.

His best known work includes poetry volumes Jalal-o-Jamal, Shola-i-Gul and Kisht-i-Wafa, and short story collections as such Chopaal, Sannata, Kapaas Ka Phool, Bagolay, Tal-o-Gharoob, Sailab-o-Gardab, Anchal and Ghar Se Ghar Tak, many of which were discussed at the event.

Dr Fateh Mohammad Malik, a noted intellectual, discussed Qasmi’s work as a publisher and editor of the prestigious literary journal Funoon, which helped groom a generation of young writers.

“That he was a true Pakistani and Muslim is clearly shown in his work – especially in the poem ‘Khuda Karey Ke Meri Arze Pak Per Utray Woh Fasle Gul Jisay Indesha-i-Zawal Na Ho’. He talked about the poor in his short stories because he saw poverty up close in his personal life, and did not even have the money to buy ink to do his schoolwork,” he said.

Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) board member Hafeez Khan said Qasmi’s poetry was notable for its humanism, and his Urdu afsana work is considered second only to Prem Chand in its depiction of rural culture. “I believe his depiction of rural culture is stronger than Prem Chand when I go through Chopaal, Gandasa and Kapas Ke Phool,” he said.

PNCA Director General Jamal Shah said: “Artists are very sensitive people and see the world through common people’s eyes, and therefore depict the sorrows, happiness, dreams and wishes of the common human being. Mr Qasmi was a selfless person and had the relationship with life of a lover and he always cherished it like his beloved.”

PAL Chairman Dr Mohammad Qasim Bughio said Qasmi would remain alive through his work, and recited a few verses of his poetry. “He is alive and will remain alive in our hearts forever,” he said.

Published in Dawn November 21st, 2016