By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Lahore Arts Council Alhamra organized a tribute ceremony titled (Tumhein Yaad Ho Ke Na Yaad Ho) in a magnificent manner to honor the literary world’s immortal character, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bukhari.
Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bukhari was a unique humorist, valuable journalist, eminent educationist, excellent translator, astute critic, accomplished broadcaster, and a seasoned diplomat.
At the ceremony, renowned scholar Syed Ayaz Bukhari presented the journey of Patras Bukhari’s life to the audience. He emphasized the importance of a website for presenting Patras Bukhari’s work to the world.
Chairman Alhamra, Razi Ahmed, stated that the real way to remember Patras Bukhari is to present his art to the new generation, acknowledge and appreciate his services, and that is precisely what the Alhamra Arts Council is doing.
In his remarks, Executive Director Alhamra, Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, said that Patras Bukhari is an authentic reference in our literary history; his writings still captivate readers’ minds like a fresh flower.
The ceremony highlighted Patras Bukhari’s achievements through various slides featuring renowned literary figures and intellectuals. Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik stated that Patras Bukhari produced significant works in the translation of English literary pieces into Urdu. He had mastery over Urdu, English, Pashto, and Persian from the very beginning. During his studies at Government College, he served as the editor of the magazine *Ravi*. While pursuing higher education in Europe, he considered translating English literature into Urdu very important and encouraged others to do the same.
Syed Ayaz Bukhari mentioned that Patras Bukhari motivated his informal circle of friends towards translation and compilation work.
It was informed at the ceremony that Patras Bukhari wanted Urdu to become a medium of instruction. He served as the Director General of All India Radio and was renowned for his expertise in understanding matters. He also held the position of Principal at Government College Lahore. He never missed any opportunity for the promotion and development of Urdu. He played an exemplary role while serving as Pakistan’s delegate to the United Nations. During his tenure as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, he missed Lahore intensely. He wished to return and translate English literature into Urdu.
He passed away in New York due to a heart attack during his UN service. He wrote a book titled “Mazameen-e-Patras Bukhari” which holds a prominent place in Urdu literature. Refinement (*Nafasat*) is a hallmark of his writings. In pure humor writing, no one has been able to match him to this day. The essays written by Patras Bukhari remain fresh and vibrant even decades later.
