Autobiography ‘Kalaam-e-Natamaam’ launched

PESHAWAR: “Kalaam-e-Natamaam”, an autobiography by a senior surgeon, Dr Tariq Saeed Mufti, has been launched at a ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor of the Gandhara University, Prof Dr. Ejaz Hassan Khan, graced the occasion as the chief guest. A known mental health expert and chairman of Horizon organisation, Prof Dr Khalid Mufti, presided over the function moderated by literatus Prof Dr Nasir Ali Syed.

A number of writers, poets, academicians and people from other walks of life turned up at the event hosted at the Haq Baba Auditorium of the Ibadat Hospital at Nishtarabad. The speakers shed light on the contents of the 223-page book penned by the 76-year-old author hailing from Peshawar who has served as the principal of the Ayub Medical College Abbottabad and Rehman Medical College Peshawar in the past besides working at various other significant positions during his medical career.

The book has been published by the Syndicate of Writers, Peshawar. The author has devoted the publication to his family members, friends and all those who crossed path with him over time and extended him support and assistance.

The speakers at the launching event, spotlighted the significance of the publication by referring to the insightful 23 chapters of the book. They lauded the author for showcasing the cultural values of his hometowns of Peshawar and Abbottabad, the city he loved because of spending 26 long years there during his postings.

Iqbal Sikandar, an intellectual famous for his knowledge and profound understanding of mysticism, praised Dr Tariq Saeed Mufti for crafting the autobiography in plain Urdu language with a captivating style. “Human compassion is reflected throughout the book. The author made consistent efforts to improve the things wherever his duties took him,” said the speaker. He was appreciative of the title of the publication emphasizing that it showed the growth mindset of the writer as he himself stated that this was not the final word and remained receptive to further improvements.

An academician, Prof Dr Noor Hakeem Jeelani, said Peshawar possessed a distinct cultural identity that stood on a par with cities like Lahore, Delhi and Lucknow. “The writer has avidly highlighted this aspect of his city of birth in “Kalaam-e-Natamaam”. He has meticulously detailed the beauty of Peshawar and Abbottabad terming them unique cities along with people who impacted his life,” he added.

The professor said the autobiography serves as an expression of gratitude to the society where you have been brought up and trained. “It is thankfulness to both people and the places. Dr Tariq Saeed Mufti has demonstrated his love for the culture and people of Peshawar through this book as he thinks he owes that,” he elaborated.

Mushtaq Shabab, a trilingual writer, columnist and broadcaster, said the publication pointed to the great values and traditions the Peshawar city once had when it was situated inside a wall. “Reading this book transports you to the city of Peshawar as it used to be six decades back. The writer has described Peshawar of the past and the great people who lived here in very impressive manners. This rejuvenates the memories of a bygone era,” said the speaker who writes in three languages- Urdu, Hindko and Pashto.

Mushtaq Shabab noted that despite being categorized as an autobiography, the publication also seamlessly incorporates elements of a travelogue. “The writer has stated the journey he had undertaken along with other intending pilgrims by road to proceed on Hajj almost 50 years back when he was part of the medical team. This particular section of the book carries the characteristics of a travelogue,” explained the speaker.

Prof Dr Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor, a former head of Seerat Studies Department of the University of Peshawar, said “Kalaam-e-Natamaam” had inspiring writings, providing the readers an insight into the old Peshawar and its inhabitants, adding it had the tales of progress made by a son of the soil with the support of the community around him while navigating his life journey.

A writer and telecaster, Aziz Ajaz, Pashto scholar, Nisar Ahmad Khan, Engineer Attiqur Rehman, Akhtar Saeed and Associate Prof Dr Ali Ahsan Mufti also shared their thoughts on the occasion as well. Expressing optimism, they anticipated that the publication would serve as a source of encouragement to the young generations for connecting with and appreciating the rich cultural heritage.