A memorable literary gathering celebrating the republication of Najm-us-Sehar, a novel by the late Urdu writer Naseem Anhonvi, was held at the Josh Malihabadi Library, Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. More than a conventional book launch, the occasion celebrated an extraordinary journey of love, literary heritage, family traditions and enduring relationships spanning nearly seventy years, from Lucknow to Karachi. Distinguished journalist, poet, and writer Mahmood Sham presided over the ceremony, while Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Barrister Shahida Jamil and Mrs Najm-us-Sehar Masud, whose personal story inspired the book’s rediscovery, were honoured guests.
The novel carries a particularly touching family history. Decades ago, the late Syed Masud Shah presented a copy of Najm-us-Sehar to his wife, who shared the novel’s name, inscribing affectionate personal messages in its margins. Although she later lost that treasured copy, her wish to rediscover the novel set in motion a remarkable search across generations and international borders.
Through the dedicated efforts of family members in Lucknow, particularly Hina Beg, and the invaluable cooperation of the author’s descendants, including his daughter Najm-us-Sehar and son Faheem Anhonvi, a surviving copy was eventually located. Its journey from Dubai to Karachi made a new Pakistani edition possible.
Ibn-e-Wasi Printers and Publishers undertook the republication, with Hamza Wasi playing a key role in restoring the novel to circulation while preserving its original literary character.
The gathering featured reflections by Dr Fatima Hasan, Akhlaq Ahmed, and Captain Farid Masud, highlighting the novel’s literary significance, Lucknow’s cultural refinement, and the remarkable family bonds surrounding its rediscovery. Umair Ahmed Khan conducted the proceedings.
Special appreciation was expressed for Dr Fatima Hasan and her team, together with the Arts Council administration, for their wholehearted cooperation in organising the event.
The ceremony brought together prominent literary personalities, journalists, members of distinguished Karachi families, relatives of celebrated Urdu humorist Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi, friends of the two families and representatives of the maritime fraternity.
Speaking through his post-event reflections, Captain Farid Masud, FNI, FCILT, PHF, Chairman of The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch, described the occasion as far more than the revival of a forgotten novel. It was a reunion of memories, generations and relationships that had survived the passage of time.
As he aptly observed:
“We went in search of a single book, but along the way discovered an entire family of love and affection.”
The evening concluded as a heartfelt tribute to the late author Naseem Anhonvi, Syed Masud Shah and the enduring cultural traditions of Lucknow.
The republication of Najm-us-Sehar reminds us that books are not merely collections of printed pages. Sometimes, they become cherished bridges between families, generations and cities, keeping memories and human relationships alive long after their original custodians have departed.