By Saira Agha Day 2 consisted of discussions, book reviews, performances, debates and conversations, however notable writer, analyst, blogger, columnist and editor Raza Rumi’s launch of his book Delhi by Heart: Impressions of a Pakistan Traveller, was the highlight for most, as his much-awaited book was officially available for purchase. With panellists including Aitzaz Ahsan, Madeeha Gohar, Kishwar Naheed and Raza Rumi himself, the topic under discussion was Delhi, both pre- Partition and post, the magnificence of its significance in the sub-continent and of course, how beautifully Raza had managed to capture the essence of the city in his book. “I think the by line should’ve rather been Impressions of a Pakistani Thinker,” said lawyer and senator Aitzaz Ahsan during the conversation. “Many are children of Partition like I am, and many are the grandchildren of it, like Raza might be. The way, he very carefully and intelligently has struck a balance with what people want to read and what they should read in his book is commendable. Very well structured and researched over, I must say. It saddens me to realise not many grandchildren of Partition are able to experience the beauty of Delhi city residing in Pakistan. Where I strongly support Partition and realise how necessary it was at that time, I also feel it should’ve been done in a better way, where bloodshed could’ve been avoided. You see, Delhi’s canvas is as vast as the sub-continent and it’s pertinent for every Pakistani to experience its beauty. With Raza book, I feel that it’s structure is arbitrary yet is written with an amazing vitality. I love how the historical minarets, ancient monuments and Nature hovering over the city is mentioned with such eloquence. It’s evident how much Raza was engaged with his storytelling as you find him wreaking back in time with every detail he encompasses. The ancient Qila in Humayun’s time has been mentioned and is so informative that it engages the reader through and through. Overall, I think the book itself is an amazing mosaic of literature, travel and information. The reader can’t seem to put down the book, really.” Aitzaz Ahsan went on quoting Raza Rumi in his favourite part of the book, “Identities change but rarely vanish.” Aitzaz strongly praised the writer for his understanding of people going through metamorphosis in terms of their personalities, making them gypsies without being gypsies. “The book is not entirely about Delhi, it’s about Raza too,” Aitzaz joked. Raza Rumi later appreciated how each of the panellists had read his book with such scrutiny and interest and had lauded it too, when it was not binding upon them to do so. He praised Aitzaz Ahsan’s books titled The Indus saga and the making of Pakistan (1996) and The Indus Saga: From Pataliputra to Partition (2005). He claimed his book was not just a literary read but a travelogue as well to add versatility in terms of its marketability. “It’s not just another travelogue, it’s a travelogues in Raza, which has been brought forth by him,” added Madeeha Gohar. Raza later, while, talking to Daily Times, expressed his pride over Delhi by Heart: Impressions of a Pakistan Traveller being a sold out in India.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 05:14:31 +0000
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