BY DR. QAISER MUKHTAR
Atlanta, GA, July 14, 2026: June was a vibrant month for the Writers’ Forum & Urdu Library Atlanta, bringing together readers, writers, scholars, and community members for three memorable literary gatherings celebrating the richness of Urdu language, literature, and cultural heritage.
The month began on June 7 with a lively Baithak featuring renowned Pakistani columnist, blogger, and author Shakoor Pathan, author of four books, including Meray Shahar Waalay and Bahti Hai Ganga Jahan. Drawing on his reflections about Karachi’s golden era, Mr. Pathan transported attendees to a time when the city was known as the “Paris of Asia”—a center of intellectual discourse, artistic expression, bustling cafés, and cultural vitality. His engaging conversation sparked memories, discussion, and a renewed appreciation for Karachi’s unique place in South Asian literary and cultural history.
Drawing on his reflections about Karachi’s golden era, Mr. Pathan transported attendees to a time when the city was known as the “Paris of Asia”—a center of intellectual discourse, artistic expression, bustling cafés, and cultural vitality. His engaging conversation sparked memories, discussion, and a renewed appreciation for Karachi’s unique place in South Asian literary and cultural history.
On June 14, the Forum hosted an in-depth exploration of the origins and evolution of marsiya nigari in Urdu literature. Presenters Irtaza Barlas, Hamid Jafri, Kamran Khimani, Farooq Siddiqui, and Sadaf Farooqui traced the development of this important literary tradition across centuries, highlighting its historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Particularly noteworthy were discussions on the contributions of female marsiya writers and the literary legacy of Aal-e-Raza. The afternoon was enriched by recitations and devotional renditions from Natasha Naqvi, Nosheen Naqvi, Abdullah Jafri, and Nadeem Haider, bringing the tradition vividly to life. With nearly eighty attendees, the gathering reflected the community’s enduring commitment to preserving and understanding Urdu literary heritage.
The month’s programming concluded on June 21 with a literary session featuring celebrated Pakistani writer Mohammad Aminuddin, author of ten published books, including Mujassama, Musafir, and Karachi Walay. Sharing insights drawn from decades of writing and observation, Mr. Aminuddin spoke about storytelling, literary craft, and the writer’s responsibility in documenting human experience. In recognition of Father’s Day, the program opened with a reading by Dr. Qaiser Mukhtar, followed by a moving poem by Mr. Kamran Khimani, both reflecting on the lasting influence of fathers in our lives. The discussion, thoughtfully moderated by Mr. Amin Sandeelo, was further enriched by the online participation of respected literary figures, including Mr. Akhlaq.
Together, these programs exemplified the Writers’ Forum & Urdu Library Atlanta’s mission of fostering literary dialogue, preserving cultural traditions, and creating meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and community engagement. As the organization continues to grow, it remains committed to providing a welcoming space where literature serves as a bridge between generations, cultures, and ideas.
