Renowned Urdu author and JCB Prize winner Khalid Jawed is set to engage Chandigarh's literary enthusiasts in a thought-provoking discussion about his latest work and the current state of Urdu literature in India. The event, organized by Thinkers Collective, will feature the author in conversation with translator A Naseeb Khan this weekend.
Challenging Literary Expectations
In a bold statement ahead of his Chandigarh appearance, Jawed questioned contemporary readers' expectations from literature. "Why do we want everything to be linear and in plain sight?" the author asked, expressing concern about the demand for complete clarity in modern storytelling.
Jawed emphasized that literature shouldn't conform to simplistic narratives, pointing out that "shadows exist even in the face of bright light." The former Professor of Urdu at Jamia Millia Islamia University stressed that "literature is not a soap opera" and contemporary audiences need to prepare themselves for serious literary works rather than expecting authors to spoon-feed them.
Urdu Literature's Need for Transformation
The author of 15 fiction and non-fiction works delivered a critical assessment of Urdu's current ecosystem in India. Rather than blaming external factors, Jawed called for introspection within the Urdu literary community itself.
"Before blaming anyone, we need to look within," he asserted, highlighting the scarcity of quality Urdu newspapers and their narrow focus on minority issues. More significantly, Jawed challenged the popular perception that reduces Urdu to just poetry, particularly ghazals.
"There is much more to Urdu than ghazals," the JCB award-winner declared, advocating for greater recognition of Urdu prose and its rich literary tradition beyond the realm of poetry.
Event Details and Organizational Vision
The literary discussion will take place on Saturday, November 15, at 6 PM at the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC) in Sector 38 A, Chandigarh. Thinkers Collective, an initiative of IDC and Chandigarh University, is hosting the event as part of their mission to bring significant literary voices to the region.
Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairperson of IDC, explained their selection of Jawed for the event: "It is interesting to note how Khalid Jawed navigates different worlds. His concerns are humans living on the margins, both physical and emotional."
Dr. Kumar emphasized that Thinkers Collective prioritizes bringing artists and authors whose works "not only shed light on contemporary society but also encompass the different facets of our existence."
The conversation between Khalid Jawed and poet A Naseeb Khan promises to delve deep into 'The Book of Death' published by Westland, while also addressing broader questions about literary appreciation and the future of Urdu language in contemporary India.
