Defying Post Colonial Trends
‘Intikhab’
Shakir Hussain Shakir, Raziduddin Razi (editors)
Kitab Nagar, Multan, 1996
168 pp; Rs 40
Reviewed by Muhammad Aamir Uppal
A few months back PTV aired a discussion on the decline of Urdu, literature in Rahat Kazmi’s Sawal Yeh Hai. The discussion generated among three guests, Ashfaq Ahmad, Mohammad Ali Siddiqi and Fehmida Riaz, pointed out several causes for the people turning away from Urdu literature. Ranging from an oppressive application of ideology to the indifferent attitude of publishers, invitees had a long list of reasons but one important factor which was totally ignored during the discussion was of course post colonial trends that have forced readers, writers and the publishers turn their backs to Urdu. Like any other Third World country. The trend has forced intellectual cadre in Pakistan switch to English in seeking a wider market and larger audience.
The obvious tendency in face of this heterogeneity is the loss of readership to the Urdu writers and as a result sharp decline in literary activities in the country. For the simple reason one fails to find literary magazines coming out on regular basis. Most of the publishers find it convenient to go for showbiz or Masala magazines for there are prospects of growth and relatively lesser financial problems. Literary journals like Savera, Naqoosh, Auraq and Adb-e-Latif are vanishing from the market while those still surviving are likely to give way to more glamorous breed. Under these circumstances if some one tries to revive this literary habit and that too from a financially obscure place of Multan, then the determination of any such persons cannot be called in question. ‘Intikhab’ was initially dubbed a wild effort in the literary circles but with its third issue in the hands editors of the journal have reasons to rejoice.
The latest issue of ‘Intikhab’ is more impressive in out look and more balanced in test. The list of contributors range widely from established names to the new entrants without compromising on the standards. Apart from covering all genres of literature, the editors of the journal have included a special section for the departed, Mohsin Naqvi and Mumtaz Mufti. Particularly, interview of the later, where Mufti Sahib briefly touches upon the controversies that still shroud his personality. Decisions of Writer’s Guild, his relationship with Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Qudrat Ullah Shahad and Ashfaq Ahmed and others issues have effectively been covered in the course of discussion.
The most compelling factor of this journal is the equal importance given to international and regional literature by allocating ample space for each cadre. Inclusion of regional literature shows the pledge that their languages will refuse to die. They would not simply go the way of Latin to become the fossils for linguistic archeology to dig up and argue about at international conferences. But this does not imply banishing foreign literature. After all communication between human beings is also the basis and process of evolving culture. Viewing this way “Intikhab” is an evenly biased journal aimed at the promotion of Urdu literature. Bringing out such a fine issue despite financial constraints is indeed a commendable job. The feature on the literary scene, see if their determination prevails, Best of luck!
Originally published in The News dated 1996
