Synopsis:
Literary contribution celebrated as Dr. Ali Hussain Shaeq’s latest books on Urdu criticism and symbolism are launched in West Bengal, drawing praise from scholars and educators alike.
Qalam Times News Network
Literary contribution in Urdu scholarship took center stage in West Bengal on the evening of August 2, 2025, as Dr. Ali Hussain Shaeq unveiled two of his latest critical works. The launch ceremony, organized by the Shaeq Institute of Educational Support at Students Club near Railway Siding, Baqar Mohalla, showcased the release of “Tashreeh-e-Adab” and “Selected Fiction Writers of West Bengal and Their Symbols.”
An Evening of Words, Wisdom, and Warm Recognition
Presided over by Dr. Dabeer Ahmed, Head of the Postgraduate Urdu Department at Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, the event drew leading names from academia and government. The dual book launch was formally carried out by Ahmed Kamal Hashmi, Joint Director of Land & Land Reforms, Government of West Bengal, alongside Dr. Razi Shahab, Head of Urdu at West Bengal State University, Barasat. Their remarks reflected deep appreciation for Shaeq’s literary contribution, both in terms of scholarship and creative insight.
Dr. Dabeer Ahmed, in his presidential address, praised Dr. Shaeq for giving a literary identity to a region once simply known as ‘Jagatdal.’ Now, he said, it’s recognized for its cultural output due to Shaeq’s relentless efforts. He described symbolic fiction as a challenge not just of language, but of conceptual maturity, and credited Shaeq with developing a symbolic lexicon that offers serious interpretive value beyond traditional criticism.
Freedom of Thought, Depth of Insight: What Makes These Books Stand Out
Ahmed Kamal Hashmi highlighted Dr. Shaeq’s restless passion for literature, calling it not just a professional interest but a deep personal obsession. “His work doesn’t follow any ideological school blindly,” he said. “Shaeq writes with integrity—wherever art moves him, he writes. That intellectual freedom is rare in today’s literary landscape.”
Milestones in Urdu Literature: Voices from the Evening
Guest of Honour Sheikh Irfan, former General Manager at National Jute Mill Corporation, Jagatdal, declared both books as milestones in Bengali Urdu literature. He congratulated Dr. Shaeq on this achievement and emphasized their long-term value for students and researchers alike.
The ceremony also saw the release of the latest issue of the quarterly journal Zanbeel-e-Adab, edited by Dr. Shaeq himself. The unveiling was carried out by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Aleemi, Assistant Professor at Kolkata Girls’ College.
Scholars Speak: The Lasting Value of Critical Work
Several other academics and intellectuals were present and shared their reflections, including Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Aleemi, Dayem Mohammad Ansari, Dr. Mohammad Farooque (Guest Lecturer at WBSU), and Dr. Tasleem Arif (Assistant Professor, WBSU). Dr. Tasleem Arif emphasized that Shaeq’s critical essays are strong samples of literary research, rich in depth, style, and clarity.
The event was moderated by Dr. Afzal Aqil of Bhairab Ganguly College. In his closing remarks, Dr. Ali Hussain Shaeq thanked all participants, guests, and contributors for making the evening memorable. Special acknowledgment was given to Shamim Aamir, Mohammad Javed Hussain, and Mohammad Shahid Hussain for their pivotal role in organizing the event.
The evening ended not just with formalities, but with a celebration of literary contribution—a reminder that Urdu literature continues to grow through passion, scholarship, and fearless expression.
