Observance of Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi’s Death Anniversary, Paying Tribute to the Literary Giant
Observing the 17th Death Anniversary of Literary Giant Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi
Today marks the observance of the 17th death anniversary of the esteemed literary scholar and poet, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi. Born as Ahmad Shah Awan on November 20, 1916, in the village of Anga in the Khushab district, Qasmi made significant contributions to the fields of literature, journalism, art, and culture. He also worked as a scriptwriter for Radio Pakistan, showcasing his versatile talents.
Qasmi authored 50 books encompassing poetry, fiction, criticism, journalism, and art. His notable works include poetry volumes such as “Jalal-o-Jamal,” “Shola-i-Gul,” and collections of short stories like “Chopaal,” “Sannata,” “Kapaas Ka Phool,” “Bagolay,” “Tal-o-Gharoob,” “Sailab-o-Gardab,” “Anchal,” and “Ghar Se Ghar Tak.” His mastery in depicting rural culture in his short stories has been acclaimed by critics, with some considering him second only to Munshi Prem Chand.
Recognizing his remarkable contributions, Qasmi received numerous accolades. He was honored with the Pride of Performance award in 1968 and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the country’s highest civil award, in 1980. He was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pakistan Academy of Letters.
Qasmi played a pivotal role in the literary world as the editor and publisher of the renowned literary magazine “Funoon” for nearly five decades. He mentored and inspired notable figures like Indian writer, director, and poet Gulzar, who considered him as his guru.
Additionally, Qasmi served as the editor of the newspaper “Imroze” and actively participated in the Progressive Writers Movement, holding the position of secretary. His commitment to his beliefs led to his arrest multiple times in the 1950s and 1970s.
Sadly, Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi passed away on July 10, 2006, at the age of 89 in Lahore due to complications arising from asthma. His legacy as a literary giant continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and readers alike.
