Book Review - "Chhrey-Baaten-Yaaden-Loge"
After an impressive launch at the prestigious Gothe Institute of Karachi, Athar Razvi's absorbing new book "Chhrey-Baaten-Yaaden-Loge" made a glittering bebut at Mississauga's Meadowvale Community Centre last week. The Event was presided by Dr.Gopichand Narang, the most respected and respected personality of the Urdu world who mesmerized the audience with his eloquence and depth of knowledge. The guest speakers were Professor Abdullah Javed, Dr.Taqi Abedi, Mr. Rasul Ahmed Kalimi ans Mr. Ashfaq Husain. The Moderator of the meeting was Ms. Nasim Syed, President of Canadian Urdu Writers Forum who conducted the meeting most effectively. Two eminent Scholars, Dr. Satyapal Annand and Dr. Sadat Saeed had sent their congratulatory messages from Washngton  and Lahore which were presented by Ms. Farzana Hassan, the current President of Canadian Muslim Congress and Ms. Nasreen Syed. Professor Annand said in his message:
"Athar Razvi's pen has magical quality. I believe it is a rare book in the sense that such a book has never been written before. Open to praise, criticism and scrutiny, it stands there as a  unique gift to Urdu literature." Dr.Sadat Saeed said " Moulvi Abdul Haque once wrote that the best study of man is man himself. Athar Razvi's book is a masterly study of humanity. He highlights not only the ' greatness' 
of his favorite persons but exposes their frailties as well. Rasul Ahmad Kalimi made  a most engaging analysis of each sketch in the book and paid glowing tributes to author's prose. He also mentioned that
he wished that on e of critical sketches was not included in the book. Ashfaq Husain dissected the  phraseology of the 'khaka' of "Surriaya and Sonia"  and thought it was a masterpiece in Urdu prose . Shakil Rafeeq, a recognized short-story writer, said 'truth is the insignia of Athar Razvi's personality and his writings'. Whatever he says, writes and does the built-in truthfulness comes out which, sometimes, invites unpopular reaction. She also thought that "S & S" khaka was the highlight of the book. Professor Abdullah Javed had brought a lengthy paper which entailed the details, analysis and
critical evaluation of all of author's works. Unfortunately, due to constrain of time he could not read the entire paper. Still, whatever he presented was appreciated by the audience. He could not find any negative points in the book. He also thought that the author was justified in expressing his hurt feelings.
Dr. Taqi Abedi in his forecful speech disputed the notion that "Chhrey-Baaten..." was a book of Khka-Nigari'. In his opinion it belonged to the new and unique 'sinf' of "INSHIA-NIGARI" which the author has introduced in urdu prose. He also dealt with Gian Chand Jain's sketch admonishing his critics suggesting he had been mistreated by the majority of  urdu writers.
Dr. Gopichand Narang spoke kind words about the writer and his book. He commented on every sketch thoroughly and agreed with Athar Razvi's take on Aali sahab. He also considered that his frequent expression of modesty appear a bit contrived. Narang Sahab declared that Urdu is the most effective and visible meeting point between the masses of India and Pakistan. The audience were wishing that they could witness the greatness and the magic of Urdu - displayed by its greatest Representative.. Alas, it was seven o'clock and the allotted time of the Meadowvale audotorium had expired.
In the words of Dr. Narang himself: it was the best book launch he attended in North America.
 

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