ISLAMABAD:”Bano Qudsia is a multidimensional writer who with her God gifted unique style and expression of writing proved herself as only of her kind and stands different from other writers of all times”.
“Bano has an exceptional insight and depth in her thoughts through which she depicts very basic yet unaddressed and misunderstood issues of human life and society”.
This was stated by the prominent poet, Iftikhar Arif while talking to reporter about the legendary writer Bano Qudsia.
Iftikhar Arif said that Bano Qudsia used different mediums like short stories, novels and dramas and proved her talent in all the genres of expression.
Talking about her novel Raja Gidh, he said that this novel is considered a modern Urdu classic and is an important asset of Urdu literature. Published in 1981, the novel became her identity.
She is among the best Urdu writers who has a great selection and command over the words.
Through Raja Gidh, she highlighted important issues like Halal and Haram, harsh realities of human life, psychology and society, he said.
Iftikhar Arif said that beside the unprecedented popularity, Raja Gidh is also a controversial novel of the time. Many critics associate this novel with the political situation of that time but all these controversies could not harm the popularity of Raja Gidh.
She was among the writers who change the image of female writers and choose different and unique topics, he added.
Being a woman, Bano Qudsia was a simple yet exceptional woman who was a true symbol of Pakistani women.
She had a very humble nature who respected her traditions and values. She was overshadowed by Ashfaq Ahmed but still she proved herself as a strong and competent writer.
Iftikhar Arif said that Bano Qudsia was a visionary woman who support women empowerment and education but she disliked westernized feminism and feminist literature.
Meanwhile, noted literary personality and Executive Director National Language Promotion Department (NLPD), Dr. Rashid Hameed said that Bano Qudsia has proved her talent and vision in different forms of literature like short stories, novels and dramas.
He said that Bano Qudsia’s writings are an asset of Urdu language and the history of Urdu literature will remain incomplete without the name and contributions of Bano Qudsia.
She was a strong woman and her writings depicted a picture of a strong and independent eastern woman, he added.
Rashid Hameed said that Bano was a great philosopher who understood the harsh and bitter realities of this world, life and society.
The thoughts she presented in Raja Gidh were unique but unfortunately that novel is not understood in true sense.
He said that Bano not only understands the pros and cons of Pakistani society but also worked for the establishment of an ideal society for all human beings.
Bano Qudsia was a universal writer who not only thinks for Pakistan or the subcontinent but for the whole of humanity, he added.
Bano Qudsia was born in 1928 in Ferozpur, Punjab and migrated to Lahore with her family during the partition.
She graduated from Kinnaird College and later joined Government College, Lahore to do her Master’s in Urdu Literature where she met Ashfaq Ahmad, to whom she later got married.
She was conferred with the Graduate Award for Best Playwright in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990. In 1986. Her most famous plays include Tamasil, Hawa ke Naam, Seharay and Khaleej.
The government acknowledged her contributions to literature and was bestowed with Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2003 and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2010.
Pakistan Academy of Letters honored the renowned author by awarding her with Kamal-e-Fun Award in 2010.
Her play Aadhi Baat is considered a classic while Pia Naam Ka Diya, Dast Basta, Aik Din, Mard-e-Abresham, Amar Bail and Kooch Aur Nahi are some of her masterpieces.
Qudsia’s latest novel Haasil Ghath was published in 2005 and also became famous for its plot, themes and use of diction.