KARACHI, April 15: A literary evening celebrating the life and times of Dr Manzar Kazmi with specific reference to his book Mir Anis Kay Kalaam Mein Rishtedaariyan was held at the DHA Central Library on Sunday.

Organised by Arakeen-i-Bazm-i-Safeeran-i-Ilm Pakistan, the proceedings began well after the time mentioned on the invitation card as a large number of family and friends did not show up on time. However, once a sizable number of guests had arrived, Dr Kazmi insisted that show must begin.

Agha Talib, the compere of the event, after offering a brief apology introduced panellists — Dr Aliya Imam, Shafiq-ur-Rehman Paracha, Javed Hasan, Allama Baqir Zaidi, Irtaza Abbas and Syed Ghazanfar Kazmi.

In a short but poignant note, Ghazanfar Kazmi, son of Dr Kazmi, said: “We’ve compiled this book so that our father’s works are available in one presentation. If you enjoy this, please do remember us in your prayers.”

Given that Prof Sehar Ansari was unable to attend the event due to some personal commitments, Irtaza Abbas was invited to fill in his mighty shoes. A verbose and lengthy monologue ensued as Irtaza Abbas praised Dr Kazmi.

Other speakers in their own eloquent styles summed up their feelings about the author and shared anecdotes and some very personal memories through the days gone by, with Dr Hasan being in a league of his own due to his oratory skills that were a pleasure to listen to.

Mr Paracha said it were teachers like Dr Kazmi who gave students the confidence and instilled into them a ‘can do’ attitude. “He comes from the time when there was coaching and not coaching centres,” remarked Mr Paracha.

Dr Kazmi later thanked the speakers and said it was his way of leaving behind a snippet of life for the generations to come.

A quick glance through the book showed the book is a compilation of his poetry, essays and plays that he wrote over the years. The works were put together by his children as an ode to their father’s love and tenderness as well as to celebrate his literary pursuits. While remembering their father’s wordy offerings, the siblings dedicated the book to their brother, Flying Officer Sohail Shaheed.

In the preface, Dr Farman Fatehpuri notes that Dr Kazmi belongs to a family in Oodh (UP) that was known for its literary and cultural pursuits. Following the tradition, Mr Kazmi went to set records, be it shattering the five-year scholarly record and getting first division at Lucknow University in 1946 or later serving as an illustrious employee of the education department in Pakistan, giving it his best shot and dedicating himself to doing the best for the country, noted Dr Fatehpuri.

The book takes into account interpersonal relationships that were highlighted in the marsia and nohas written by Mir Anis, a poetic giant of the sub-continent whose elegies have been no less than a treasure trove for those interested in Urdu poetry.

A quick glance through the book showed that Wing Commander Syed Ghazanfar Hussain, Fahim Kazmi, Dr Kaleem Kazmi, Samina Safdar and Dr Naghma Ishtiaque were the people behind this effort.

Dr Kazmi has penned a number of books, including Sarchashma-i-Hayat (a book on homeopathy) and Aur Mein Pakistan Aa Gaya, which is detailed account of his journey to Pakistan. His other books shed light on the life and times of Bibi Khadija, Hazrat Ali and Hazart Hasan.