In order to commemorate the works of eminent Urdu writer of the 20th century, Ismat Chughtai, a visual and performing arts extravaganza was organised by Olomopolo Media recently. It was aptly titled ‘Sab Ismat’.

The daylong event, which took place at OLO Junction, Model Town, was open to public and duly received the lovers of literature.

Inside the artistically done up venue, the (mostly young) crowd of attendants had gathered to hear different stories by the late Indian writer being read out to them. These were dramatic readings by individuals and also served to showcase their talents.

Ismat Chugtai (1915- 1991) is a very prominent name in Urdu fiction and screenwriting in the subcontinent. Chugtai’s notable short stories include Lihaaf, Bahu Betian, Til, Baandi, Jawani and Aik Shohar Ki Khatir, which also won her many literary awards. Her writings were often criticised for being obscene -- a few of her short stories were also banned in South Asia -- but she continued to express her views about different taboos of the society. Her works are a representation of her indomitable spirit and fierce feminist ideology.

‘Sab Ismat’ sought to revisit Chughtai’s timeless writings. One of the young readers at the event, who also read out an extract from her story, Badan Ki Khushboo, told the audience that Chughtai’s work not only relates the injustices done to the women in our society at the hands of the men, it also explores the potential threat a woman has to face in the form of another women.

Arif Amin, who read out Chughtai’s short story Nanhi Ki Nani, said, "Chughtai’s stories are largely women-oriented and these are a protest against the double standards and discriminatory attitudes of the society."

Sabahat Zeejah, an elderly lady who was on a visit to Pakistan, from United States, expressed gratitude to the organisers and said that she was "thrilled to a part of such an event. I got the chance to read out my own short story to a live audience."

She further said, "There should be more of such events that promote our national language and our writers."

This isn’t the first time Kanwal Khoosat, the lady behind Olomopolo, and her team had organised a literary event. Earlier, this month, they had a very successful programme, titled ‘Sab Manto,’ which explored the life and works of Saadat Hassan Manto.