LAHORE: The nation pays homage to the revered literary giant and poet Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi on his 17th death anniversary today.
Born as Ahmad Shah Awan on November 20th, 1916, in the village of Anga, within the Khushab district, Qasmi’s contributions to literature, journalism, art, and culture continue to resonate to this day.
Qasmi’s artistic prowess extended across various domains, where he skillfully left his mark. Notably, he served as a distinguished scriptwriter for Radio Pakistan, infusing his distinctive flair into the airwaves.
Additionally, his literary endeavours spanned a remarkable repertoire of 50 books, comprising poetry, fiction, criticism, journalism, and art, thereby cementing his place as a multifaceted literary maestro.
The expanse of Qasmi’s impact on the literary landscape was duly recognized through numerous accolades. In 1968, he was bestowed with the prestigious Pride of Performance award, and in 1980, the nation honoured him with the esteemed civil decoration, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz.
Furthermore, his enduring contributions merited the Lifetime Achievement Award from the esteemed Pakistan Academy of Letters, exemplifying the profound influence he had on the literary tapestry.
Among Qasmi’s illustrious work are renowned poetry volumes, including the eloquent Jalal-o-Jamal, the poignant Shola-i-Gul, and a myriad of captivating short story collections such as Chopaal, Sannata, Kapaas Ka Phool, Bagolay, Tal-o-Gharoob, Sailab-o-Gardab, Anchal, and Ghar Se Ghar Tak. His mastery in depicting the rural culture through his short stories has earned him accolades, with some critics placing him second only to the legendary Munshi Prem Chand.
Qasmi’s unwavering commitment to the literary world was exemplified by his editorial tenure at the esteemed ‘Imroze’ newspaper. Additionally, his poetic prowess was showcased in both ghazals and nazms, thereby encapsulating the beauty of Urdu poetry in its diverse forms.
On July 10th, 2006, at the age of 89, Qasmi’s exceptional journey came to an end in Lahore, succumbing to complications arising from asthma at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology. However, his legacy lives on, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, illuminating the path for aspiring writers, scholars, and artists alike.
As the literary community reflects on the remarkable life and profound contributions of Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, his words continue to resonate, encapsulating the essence of human experiences and leaving an indelible imprint on the annals of literature.
