Islamabad: Prominent poet, researcher, critic and scholar Prof Sahar Ansari’s contributions to Urdu literature were celebrated at the launch ceremony of his book Nigarshat-e-Sahar held at the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) here on Monday.
The event was jointly organized by the literary and cultural organization Zawiya and the NLPD. Renowned poet Iftikhar Arif presided over the ceremony, while Mehboob Zafar moderated the event.
NLPD Director General Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar attended as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Iftikhar Arif said literary schools rich in creative talent also produce better critics.
‘Literature must be viewed through a literary lens,’ he remarked. He noted that Ansari’s essays largely focused on figures associated with the Progressive Movement and described his scholarly and literary contributions as ‘a valuable asset to Urdu literature,’ adding that his writings are ‘a fine blend of research and creative insight.’
Chief guest and Director General of NLPD, Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said the department considers hosting such literary events part of its responsibility. Calling Nigarshat-e-Sahar ‘an important addition to Urdu research and criticism,’ he said moving from creative writing to research is a difficult transition, but Ansari had done justice to both.
‘His vast study gives him command over words and their meanings. A creator makes an excellent critic because he himself experiences the emotions and states that emerge during the creative process. Sahar Ansari embodies that high standard,’ Dr Mazhar said.
Noted fiction writer Muhammad Hameed Shahid praised the intellectual depth, linguistic refinement and literary dignity of Ansari’s prose, calling the book essential reading for scholars. ‘It is proof of the author’s vast academic insight and deep commitment to literature. Young researchers can greatly benefit from it,’ he said.
Dr Arshad Mehmood Nashad observed that Ansari brought the classical ghazal into the contemporary era through his poetry, which earned him widespread recognition, but his prose had not received the attention it deserved. ‘When a creative mind turns to criticism, even those aspects are illuminated that remain hidden from an ordinary reader,’ he added.
Prof Muhammad Sabir, compiler of Nigarshat-e-Sahar, joined the event through a video message and said Ansari’s personality and literary work hold great significance in Karachi’s literary landscape. ‘Some people may not have even read as much as Sahar Ansari has written,’ he remarked.
A video message from Prof Sahar Ansari was also played before the presidential address. He thanked NLPD Director General Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar and Zawiya President Mehboob Zafar for organizing the event and expressed gratitude to Iftikhar Arif, Muhammad Hameed Shahid, Dr Arshad Mehmood Nashad and Dr Bibi Amina for their remarks and research papers.
The ceremony concluded with speakers, participants and organizers paying tribute to Prof Sahar Ansari’s academic and literary services and expressing hope that such events would continue to play an effective role in promoting the Urdu language and literature.