By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, Thursday, 2 January 2025 (TNS): The Ambassador of Iran, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam has underscored the timeless significance of books despite the wealth of information available online.
He made these remarks at the launch of the Urdu translation of Shikasta Aarzooain (Shattered Dreams), a collection of selected poetry by renowned Iranian poet Qaisar Aminpur. The event was organized by the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) the other day.
Dr. Moghadam praised the translators’ efforts and emphasized the need for reciprocal translations, calling for Persian renditions of Urdu literature to foster deeper cultural exchange. “The work of translators is highly commendable, and I remain optimistic about more collaborative efforts in the future,” he remarked.
Director General of NLPD, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, expressed gratitude to the Iranian ambassador, translators, and attendees. Highlighting Aminpur’s literary contributions, he said, “Qaisar Aminpur is among the most prominent poets of the revolution. Recognizing scholars and their work encourages the creation of more remarkable literary contributions.”
Cultural Counsellor of the Iranian Embassy, Dr. Majid Mashki, elaborated on the challenges of translating poetry, noting, “Translating poetry requires preserving the essence, culture, rhythm, and theme of the original. The translators have accomplished this arduous task with great dedication, and their efforts deserve immense praise.”
One of the translators, Dr. Mehr Noor Muhammad Khan, described Qaisar Aminpur as a modern Iranian poet, writer, researcher, and professor at Tehran University. He highlighted Aminpur’s significant contributions to Persian literature. The second translator, Dr. Muzaffar Ali Kashmiri, added, “Aminpur lived a brief life of only 48 years but authored nine books, five of which have been translated into Arabic, Persian, and now Urdu.”
Dr. Mohiuddin Hashmi of Allama Iqbal Open University stressed the historical and intellectual ties between Persian and Urdu, stating that much of the region’s civilization and literary heritage is deeply rooted in Persian culture.
Dr. Abid Sial, Head of the Department of Pakistani Languages at NUML University, credited the translation project to the guidance and mentorship of his predecessors. Dr. Amber Yasmeen, Head of the Urdu Department at NUML University, highlighted the rarity of contemporary Persian works being translated into Urdu. “The translators have skillfully chosen words to deliver an excellent Urdu rendition of Aminpur’s poetry,” she noted.
Reflecting on Aminpur’s enduring legacy, Dr. Shagufta Yaseen remarked, “Qaisar Aminpur lives on through his poetry. The translators, who are also my mentors, hold a prestigious status in my eyes.”
Inaugurating the event, NLPD’s Executive Director, Dr. Rashid Hameed, emphasized the strong cultural and literary ties between Pakistan and Iran. He added, “Persian classical literature has frequently been translated into Urdu, and such translations serve as a bridge to strengthen cultural and literary connections between the two nations.”
The event was moderated by Dr. Rabia Kiani and concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the translators’ efforts in bringing Aminpur’s poetic legacy closer to Urdu-speaking audiences.
