LAHORE, Jul 16 (APP):The Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, paid tribute to the iconic novelist Abdullah Hussain by organizing a reflective and intellectually stimulating session on his life and work, here on Wednesday.
Renowned literary critic and scholar Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar delivered an insightful talk, exploring the multi-faceted journey of the legendary writer who reshaped the contours of Urdu fiction.
Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed graced the event with his presence, underscoring the institution’s commitment to celebrating Pakistan’s literary giants.
In his remarks, Dr. Nayyar highlighted that the growth and excellence of any institution are deeply linked to the dedication of its leadership. He applauded Chairman Razi Ahmed and Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi for their tireless efforts in revitalizing Alhamra as a center of cultural and intellectual engagement.
Dr. Nayyar traced Abdullah Hussain’s early life, sharing poignant anecdotes about his childhood, creative instincts, and personal losses that deeply shaped his worldview. He emphasized that great artists often emerge from trials and transformations, and Abdullah Hussain was no exception. Starting his career as a chemist, Hussain began writing as early as his matriculation years, eventually crafting his first novel over a span of five years.
The speaker praised Hussain’s unparalleled narrative craft, his mastery in weaving historical context into fiction, and his use of Punjabi linguistic elements and cultural symbols like the Ganga and Jamuna rivers. From a modest town, Hussain penned novels that shook the literary world and set new benchmarks for Urdu literature.
Alhamra Chairman Razi Ahmed remarked, “Honoring literary legends like Abdullah Hussain is not merely a tribute to the past but an investment in the cultural consciousness of our future. At Alhamra, we are committed to nurturing dialogue around such impactful voices.”
Alhamra Executive Director Tauqeer Haider Kazmi said the Alhamra stands as a sanctuary for literature, where stories like Abdullah Hussain’s continue to inspire generations. “It is our duty and privilege to keep such legacies alive through thoughtful programming and meaningful discourse.”
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where participants posed thought-provoking questions, fostering a vibrant literary exchange.
