Daily Times

Evolution in literature is because of those writers and authors who present their perspective of life, in their words, with their narrations. It is because of this thought and introspection that the author not only progresses in his or her quest to become better but also facilitates the growth of literature. While Pakistan has been blessed with Urdu prose writers having a legendary stature continuing to mesmerise us with their words, developing authors too are learning from such greats. One such emerging author is Sheba Sultan, a life-long learner by passion and a writer by choice. She appeared on Pakistan’s literary facade three years ago with her collection of English short stories, ‘The Room in the Mausoleum’. On Saturday, February 15, 2018, Sheba Sultan launched her first Urdu book, a collection of short stories titled, Daldal kay paa” published by Academy Bazyaft, Karachi. The launch ceremony was presided over by Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza. Other notables who attended at spoke at the event included Hamra Khalique, Akhlaq Ahmed, Haseena Moin, Professor Haroon Rasheed and Razza Sarohi. Also present was Mr Mubeen Mirza, a renowned poet, editor and Managing Director, Academy Bazyaft. Mr. Nadeem Zafar Siddiqi, Executive Director, Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi delivered the Thank You Note. It was, however, an honour for Sheba that her father, Rev. Dr. Pervaiz Sultan delivered the Welcome Note. He was proud of her daughter’s achievement and talked highly of the publisher and the Arts Council of Pakistan.

The guests, during the speeches, congratulated the author, Sheba Sultan, and also shared their opinions on the book. They were of the view that while Sheba Sultan has entered a difficult domain of Urdu prose writing, she has the acumen to enhance her writing skills to keep moving forward in using her words to explore the life around her and to mesmerise the readers with her narrative. Dr. Pirzada Qasim shared his opinion regarding Sheba’s writing that they were akin to a cool breeze refreshing the reader. The host of this occasion was Ms. Rabiya Faridi, a longtime friend of Sheba and Head Librarian at the Notre Dame Institute of Education, Karachi. Rabiya mentioned that Sheba has dedicated this book to her maternal grandmother, Ms. Celina Justine, with whom she had an affectionate relationship.

The 119-page book, Daldal kay Paar, comprises seven stories with each having a different message and theme and affects the reader’s mind, thoughts and perspectives profoundly. The stories, written in plain and simple Urdu, explain, discuss and narrate the lives of its characters, with which the readers can relate themselves

During her speech, Ms. Sheba Sultan said that she was unable to explain the feeling of having her Urdu book published. She described to the audience the many challenges she faced while writing this book and was thankful for the assistance, guidance, and support she received from the management of the Arts Council of Pakistan, her publisher and of the literary dignities attending the launch. She especially acknowledged the guidance and support of her parents, Dr. Pervaiz Sultan and Ophelia Sultan; Professor Sahar Ansari, Mubeen Mirza, Hasina Moin, Hamra Khaliq, Sabuha Khan, Nadeem Zafar Siddiqui; and friends, Rabiya Faridi and Wasio Ali Khan Abbasi; names she has also duly mentioned in the book’s “Acknowledgement” or “Harf-e-Tashakkur”.

The 119-page book, Daldal kay Paar, comprises seven stories with each having a different message and theme and affects the reader’s mind, thoughts and perspectives profoundly. The stories, written in plain and simple Urdu, explain, discuss and narrate the lives of its characters, with which the readers can relate themselves.

These stories, while presenting the modern-day account of characters, their plot, and setting, also touch upon the real-life situations people face. It is through these stories Sheba connects with the readers of today’s technologically advanced world when her characters use social media. Sheba Sultan’s stories are also stimulating and refreshing for it hooks the reader’s attention from the first paragraph. It is in this moment readers become curious and give their utmost attention to the written words. What is also apparent in Sheba’s stories is the element of ‘show, don’t tell’, clearly and evidently present in every story. Whether she narrates the sunlight falling on the ground, rainfall, wind blowing on a lazy afternoon, characters conversing with each other or describing their facial expressions, Sheba beautifully uses this art in explaining the actions happening in her stories. This makes the book an even more interesting read. While Hasina Moin has written her views on the book’s front flap, Hamra Khaliq and Professor Sahar Ansari have shared their views on the book’s back flap and the back cover respectively.

The writer is a columnist. He can be reached at omariftikhar82@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.