Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
Among my childhood and teenage memories, one familiar face from Pakistan Television (PTV) remains vivid. It was the face of a man whose engaging presentation, conversational style and charming personality naturally attracted viewers. I became an admirer of Professor Nasir Ali Syed during those early years, watching him host programmes on television. Little did I know then that life would eventually bring me into journalism and provide an opportunity to develop a personal association with the very personality I had admired from a distance.
When I entered journalism, a new chapter of acquaintance with Nasir Ali Syed began. I discovered a side of his personality that was perhaps even more captivating than the one I had seen on television. His effortless conversation, spontaneous humour, sincerity and affection transformed what could have remained a formal acquaintance into a warm and meaningful human relationship.
One of his remarks still brings a smile to my face. According to Nasir Ali Syed, he has known me for 250 years! This is not merely a humorous remark; it reflects his distinctive temperament, wonderful sense of humour and extraordinary way of building relationships. Whenever he meets someone, he creates the feeling of an old friendship. Formalities quickly disappear, and the other person begins to feel completely at ease in his company.
Perhaps this is the most beautiful aspect of his personality: instead of using his knowledge and literary stature to impress people, he wins them over through affection, conversation and kindness. His admirers include young people and the elderly, women and men alike. Age, gender, profession and social standing are no barriers to the affection he commands. His popularity is not simply that of a poet, short-story writer, playwright or columnist; it is also the popularity of a human being who has won hearts through his conduct.
Another remarkable dimension of Nasir Ali Syed’s personality is his multifaceted creative identity. His contributions to poetry, short fiction, drama, column writing, television presentation and cultural activities demonstrate that he has never confined himself to a single field. His literary identity extends beyond books and written works; it is equally reflected in his conversations, observations, social awareness and human relationships. This is why those who meet him often become admirers not only of his work but also of the person behind it.
Recently, a Shaam-e-Mulaqat (An Evening of Conversation) was organised in Peshawar in his honour. The event, jointly arranged by the Syndicate of Writers Pakistan and Horizon at Haq Baba Auditorium, Ibadat Hospital, brought together prominent intellectuals, writers, poets, journalists and literary figures. Their presence reflected the deep affection and respect Nasir Ali Syed has earned throughout his long literary and social journey.
The event was presided over by Justice (Retd.) Syed Yahya Zahid Gilani, while Professor Zigham Hassan conducted the proceedings. Distinguished speakers paid tribute to Nasir Ali Syed’s intellectual, literary, artistic, cultural, social and philanthropic contributions. The tradition of recognising and celebrating the achievements of living personalities during their lifetime is certainly commendable. What greater joy can a creative individual experience than to see admirers gathered before him and receive their appreciation and affection while he is still among them?
However, the occasion also inspired a suggestion that could make such gatherings even more meaningful, engaging and memorable.
The life of a personality like Nasir Ali Syed deserves much more than a series of complimentary speeches. His experiences, observations, encounters, memories and creative pursuits are so diverse that even an entire evening may seem insufficient to explore them.
In particular, his nine-month stay abroad offers an interesting subject for discussion. His activities during that period, observations, meetings, literary and cultural experiences, and encounters with different societies could provide valuable insights into his personality and intellectual journey.
It would be far more engaging if prominent personalities attending the event were invited to ask him questions, one after another, allowing Nasir Ali Syed to respond in his characteristic style, with his trademark spontaneity, humour and wit. Such an arrangement could transform a conventional ceremony into a lively, interactive and intellectually stimulating conversation.
Long speeches certainly have their significance, but sometimes a single thoughtful question can offer more information and insight than several pages of a formal address. This is particularly true when the subject is someone whose life is filled with experiences worth sharing.
In this context, I found the format of a session organised by Halqa-e-Arbab-e-Zauq (Circle of Literary People) more suitable. Its tradition of literary dialogue, questions and answers, creative experiences and intellectual exchange provides an ideal setting for such an interaction. Rather than simply making Nasir Ali Syed the guest of honour, he could be made the central voice of the evening. His admirers should also have the opportunity to ask questions that may have been on their minds for years.
I believe personalities like Nasir Ali Syed do not merely deserve words of praise; they deserve to be heard. Their experiences need to be explored, their thoughts understood and their wisdom shared. There is an entire world hidden in their laughter, spontaneous remarks, literary observations and life experiences.
In the end, I would simply say that the admiration which began in childhood, while watching him on television, gradually developed into a genuine personal connection. It is a pleasant experience for me that the personality I once admired from a distance now makes me feel close through his kindness, warmth and informal affection.
Great writers and artists are remembered for their creations, but Nasir Ali Syed possesses an additional quality: he makes the people he meets feel that they, too, have become part of his world. Perhaps that is why he makes everyone feel that their relationship is not merely a matter of today but one that goes back centuries.
And when someone can turn you into a 250-year-old acquaintance with just one sentence, you realise that he has mastered not only the art of literature but also the art of spreading love.
Perhaps Nasir Ali Syed’s greatest achievement is that he creates literature through words and relationships through his conduct.
