Lahore — A special literary event was held at the Russian Centre for Science, Education and Culture in Lahore to honour internationally renowned Russian poet and writer Rasul Gamzatov.
The event brought together academics, writers, literary figures and cultural enthusiasts. Dr. Shahid Hasan, Russian Ambassador of Science and Education to Pakistan and Chairman of the Russian Centre, presided over the gathering.
Prof. Dr. Amjad Tufail attended the event as the chief guest. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Nizami, Dr. Musaddiq Hussain, Dr. Najm-ul-Sehar Butt and Dr. Rashid Parvez also addressed the audience.
Rasul Gamzatov’s Literary Legacy
Prof. Dr. Ashraf Nizami spoke about Gamzatov’s life and literary contributions. He said more than 40 collections of Gamzatov’s poetry had been published.
He also noted that the Russian poet received numerous honours and awards during his literary career.
Dr. Nizami highlighted Gamzatov’s friendship with legendary Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. He said Faiz translated several of Gamzatov’s poems into Urdu verse.
Gamzatov also took part in an international literary conference in Pakistan in 1995.
Dr. Nizami said Gamzatov’s poetry shows how literature and love can bring people together. Mountains, languages and borders may separate communities, he noted, but literature can create bonds between them.
Poetry Rooted in People and Tradition
Dr. Musaddiq Hussain presented a paper on Rasul Gamzatov and described him as a great people’s poet.
He said Gamzatov’s writings had reached readers through translations into many languages. The poet also gave great importance to folk tales, proverbs, local traditions and folk wisdom.
According to Gamzatov’s literary view, a poet should do more than create beautiful words. A poet should remain connected with the problems and aspirations of society, the nation and humanity.
Mother Tongue and Cultural Identity
Chief guest Prof. Dr. Amjad Tufail praised another major feature of Gamzatov’s writing. He said the poet had a rare ability to make readers visualize things that they could not normally see.
Prof. Tufail said Gamzatov placed exceptional value on his homeland, language and culture. He also stressed the importance of the mother tongue in shaping personal identity.
He said Gamzatov closely linked his identity with his culture. The poet believed that losing contact with one’s homeland could also weaken one’s sense of identity.
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Prof. Tufail added that Gamzatov showed the world how writers can create internationally respected literature while staying firmly connected to their roots.
Gamzatov’s Poetry Presented in Urdu
Dr. Najm-ul-Sehar Butt presented an Urdu translation of one of Rasul Gamzatov’s famous poems.
Her presentation received considerable appreciation from the audience and added a literary dimension to the event.
Dr. Shahid Hasan Recalls Gamzatov and Faiz
In his presidential remarks, Dr. Shahid Hasan recalled his meetings with both Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Rasul Gamzatov.
He described Gamzatov as a humble, simple and warm-hearted person who deeply valued his friendships.
Dr. Shahid Hasan also described Gamzatov as a true friend of Pakistan. He said the poet had immense love for his culture, mother tongue and homeland.
He emphasized that maintaining a strong connection with one’s mother tongue remains essential for preserving cultural identity.
Dr. Shahid Hasan thanked the distinguished guests and all participants for attending the event.
Among the prominent participants were Comrade Muhammad Asif, Ms. Uzma, Ms. Ayesha Tahseen, Ms. Iman Latif, Madam Fakhra Sultana, Dr. Rizwana Khalid, Madam Natalia, Ms. Maria Khan, Malik Farooq, Maqsood Ahmed Farooqi, Muhammad Maqsood and Nawab Khan.
