“Chughtai’s notable contribution lies in her courage to address sensitive topics like female sexuality and social injustice leading to her work sparking debates, and challenging conservative mindsets.” Known for her bold and unconventional stories that challenged societal norms and taboos, Ismat Chughtai broke new ground in Urdu literature, particularly with her portrayal of female sexuality…
Category: Editor’s Desk
The Art of Book Reviewing
In a world increasingly driven by the rapid pace of digital media, the art of traditional book reviewing—a practice once valued for its depth, insight, and careful analysis—appears to be gradually waning, supplanted by shorter, often cursory reviews that cater to the fast-moving, attention-scarce habits of today’s online audiences. This phenomenon signals not only a…
Herbert George Wells
“His role as a science fiction author is of immense importance as he – in a rather insightful manner – carves an interlinking pathway between the social, political, and scientific issues pertaining to the English society.” As a 19th century English writer, H.G Wells is known for his groundbreaking contributions to the realm of science…
A Revival: The Lost Art of Letter Writing
In an age dominated by instant messages, social media updates, and emails, it is easy to overlook the art of handwritten letter writing, yet, in the depths of our fast-paced, digital lives, there remains a profound, timeless beauty in taking pen to paper. The written word, as it flows from our hand, carries not only…
Shadab Zeest Hashmi
“Her exploration of native traditions and collective histories through food, places, and landscape indigenous to the people of the subcontinent in her book Ghazal Cosmopolitan allows the reader to transcend the boundaries of the present moment and delve into the intricacies of memories of the past.” As a diasporic Pakistani-American writer, Shadab Zeest Hashmi explores…
The Importance of Diversity in Literature: Expanding Horizons through Diverse Voices
In a world as culturally rich and varied as ours, literature has a special role in reflecting and expanding our understanding of human experience. When literature embraces diversity, whether in terms of race, gender, culture, socioeconomic background, or other aspects, it does more than entertain; it educates, inspires, and connects readers across divides. Diverse voices…
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born in 1859, was a gifted author whose keen observation fueled his iconic creation, Sherlock Holmes. While best known for detective fiction, he also explored historical and supernatural themes. His diverse works and engaging characters greatly impacted literature and continue to inspire modern writers and adaptations.”
The Rise of Literary Festivals: A Celebration of Books and Ideas
“Literary festivals have become vital cultural events that celebrate books and ideas while fostering dialogue and cultural exchange. They provide authors opportunities to engage with wider audiences, discuss critical issues, and promote literary appreciation. Key examples, like the Lahore Literary Festival and the Faiz International Festival, highlight their role in promoting literacy and inclusivity.”
Deconstructing the Classics: A Modern Perspective
“A fresh approach to the classics, focusing on how modern readers can interpret traditional themes, characters, and literary devices to unearth new layers of meaning and relevance in an ever-evolving world.”
Beyond the Gallery Walls: Art as an Advocation for Social Change
“Art is activist in nature as it highlights the unspoken issues and gives a glimpse of the truth to the world.”
Top Five Art Galleries in Lahore
Beyond its iconic landmarks, Lahore also boasts a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing the works of local and international artists.
Top Five Libraries in Lahore
Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, is home to a rich literary tradition and a variety of libraries that cater to the diverse needs of its residents and visitors. Among these, some libraries stand out for their collections, architecture, and role in promoting knowledge. 1. Jinnah Library Jinnah Library, named after the founder of Pakistan,…
Maya Angelou
“Through her poetry, Angelou personifies the suffering of Black Americans while also reciprocating the optimistic thoughts of those who are resilient in the face of adversity.”
South Asian Literature: An Amalgamation of Ancient Mythology and Contemporary Narrative
“Throughout history, mythological tales and regional folklore have been a part of South Asian literature. Be it the ancient oral tradition of storytelling or the contemporary literature of the 21st century, retelling the stories from the ancient past has been a major part of the region.”
Borders and Displacement: Narrative of Exile and Refugees
“Borders do not merely symbolise lines on a map; they are the complexity of identity, culture, and belonging.”
Michelangelo Buonarroti
“Michelangelo often employed
techniques of perspective drawing, and geometrical principles to design
architectural structures such as that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.”
Must Read Literary Texts to Add to Your TBR
Books offer readers a chance to explore a different world and a wide range of emotions and experiences. Each work stands out for its uniqueness and the impact it has on its readers. They often challenge our perception of things and make us reflect on the broader instances of historical event, societal norms, and the…
Saadat Hasan Manto
“Although he was criticized for his controversial texts, Manto raised awareness about psychological trauma and suffering while also condemning social hypocrisy regarding artistic freedom and the affliction of the marginalized community of the society.” Saadat Hasan Manto, infamous for his short stories, is an eminent writer and playwright of Urdu Literature. His short stories, some…
How to Overcome a Creative Block
Writer’s and artist’s block is a common phenomenon that many creative individuals face at various points in their careers. It can manifest as a complete inability to create, a lack of inspiration, or a feeling of self-doubt regarding one’s work. Understanding the causes of this block and exploring effective strategies to overcome it can help…
Social Media and Literature: A New Spectrum of Contemporary Engagement
The advent of social media has irrevocably transformed the landscape of human interaction, communication, and information dissemination, and one of its most profound impacts has been on the realm of literature. Traditionally, the relationship between author and reader was mediated through the printed page, a static and unidirectional mode of engagement. However, social media’s dynamic…