“Nazr-e-Abul Kalam Qasmi” released

ALIGARH : A book “Nazr-e-Abul Kalam Qasmi” was released yesterday evening at the Ibne Sina Academy, which comprises articles and essays on noted scholar and accomplished Urdu critic, Prof. Abul Kalam Qasmi. Compiled by Dr. Moidur Rahman, these articles and essays have been rendered by distinguished scholars, colleagues, friends and students of Prof. Qasmi, and they seek to highlight the various aspects of Prof. Qasmi’s contributions to Urdu literature and his accomplishments as a model teacher.
The book release function was presided over by Padma Shri Prof. (Hakeem) Syed Zillur Rahman, while noted English teacher Prof. Masoodul Hasan graced the occasion as chief guest.

In his presidential address, Prof. Syed Zillur Rahman said that Prof. Qasmi was a distinguished Urdu critic who always had an edge over his contemporaries because of his knowledge of Arabic and Persian. He said that Prof. Qasmi always used unique terminologies and metaphors to describe various literary trends that got prevalence over the last one century.

Prof. Masoodul Hasan said that Prof. Qasmi has created a special place for him amongst the accomplished Urdu critics and litterateurs and he appears to be standing tall amongst his contemporaries not only because he has treated the various nuances of Urdu criticism differently, but also because he has evaluated the different critical approaches and trends through the canons of eastern aesthetics.

Prof. Iftikhar Alam Khan, former Director, Sir Syed Academy, AMU said that Prof. Qasmi is not only an eminent critic but also an excellent teacher who always seeks to provide personal guidance to his students.

Professor Emeritus Farhatullah Khan presented a short but evaluative study of Prof. Qasmi’s critical approaches and affirmed that the way Prof. Qasmi has treated criticism of Urdu poetry is unique.

Dr. Mahtab Haider Naqvi presented a poem dedicated to Prof. Qasmi while Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad spoke on Prof. Qasmi’s non-literary writings including his more than 70 editorials published in the reformative Urdu monthly Tahzibul Akhlaq. Dr. Bakar Alam Siddiqui elaborated on the articles and essays included in the book.

Presenting a citation on this occasion, Dr. Khaleequzzaman outlined the literary journey of Prof. Qasmi, especially mentioning his books and other scholarly achievements.

Senior teachers including Prof. Fasih Ahmad Siddiqui, Prof. Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi, Prof. Najma Mahmood, Prof. Zakia A. Siddiqui, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad, Prof. Saghir Afrahim, Prof. Durdana Qasmi, Prof. Tariq Chhatari, Prof. M.E. Zuberi and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Dr. Khalid Saifullah conducted the programme while Dr. Furqan Sambhli proposed a vote of thanks.