By TCN News,
Aligarh: The Women’s College, Aligarh Muslim University, is organising a two-day seminar to celebrate the works and life of Urdu literary giant Ismat Chugtai.
Addressing the inaugural function of the seminar, noted lyricist Javed Akhtar said, “Ismat Chughtai, who always stood for truth and sought to depict in her fiction the true picture of women’s sufferings in society, was a product of Aligarh Muslim University and it makes a point for the University to cherish her literary greatness and human magnanimity.”
Akhtar further added, “Ismat’s literary acumen, style and expression won her a unique place in Urdu literature whose works are being translated into various languages”. He pointed out that Ismat’s readership was still growing with time and her works have gained more relevance now when the issues of women’s emancipation and women empowerment have found ground as never.
In his presidential address, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Brig. S. Ahmad Ali said that Ismat lived a life of female protagonist who never compromised while depicting her feelings in her works. “She wrote whatever she thought was true and became avant-garde of Urdu literature”, he added.
Brig. Ali pointed out that Ismat carried Changez Khani blood and this is why she bore so much courage to write what was considered bad to even say in those times.
Earlier, welcome guests, Prof. Zakia A. Siddiqui, Secretary, Female Education Association, said that the seminar was organised as a part of centenary celebrations of Ismat Aapa, who always stood for the rights of women and championed their cause. “She was responsible for revolutionising women’s thought process and helped them shed inferiority complex” she added.
Siddiqui said that Aligarh will always remain indebted to Ismat Aapa for showing women the way to emancipation and self righteousness.
Convener of the Seminar, Prof. Sagheer Afrahim remembered Ismat Chughtai as a crusader of women’s rights who had a special passion for truth.
Prof. Naeema Gulrez, Principal Women’s College proposed a vote of thanks.