National Heritage Minister terms Patras Bokhari pride of Urdu humour
Dramatization of legendary Urdu writer, humorist, broadcaster, and diplomat, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari’s humorous essay ‘Saweray Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli’ or ‘As I Woke up at Morning’ at the Pakistan Academy of Letters’ newly inaugurated Sheikh Ayaz Hall on Wednesday made the audience laugh hilariously and repeatedly.
This was perhaps first time in years that the PAL had organized a performance of a literary work at its premises and the experiment worked magic as in the words of Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Parliamentary Leader of the PML-N in the Senate such creative events refresh minds and cheer up the souls.
They identified themselves with the main character of the essay (played by Ahad Ali Siddiqui) as he gave a superb performance playing a young student (living in a hostel, most probably Government College Lahore hostel) torn between a desire to sleep and read in the early hours. But as it takes place usually at this age
At many instances the audience burst into laughter when the young man curses himself for surrendering to sleep and at the same time cursing the side room resident Lala Kirpa Shankar Bharamchari for waking him up as early as 3:00 a.m. Chief Guest on the occasion Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced Rs25,000 cash prize for the young artist and praised the Swang Theatre and Chand Nagar Cultural Theatre for dramatizing Patras’ famous essay in a hilariously comic way.
Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture, and Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Federal Secretary of the same division also attended as guests of honor. The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration of PAL’s newly renovated conference hall by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. The guests spoke about Patras Bokhari’s legacy as well as the importance of literary institutions like PAL.
Another highlight of the event was an engaging dialogue session between Dr. Farrukh Nadeem and Mr. Ayaz Bokhari (grandson) of Patras Bokhari. The conversation offered valuable insights into Patras Bokhari’s personality, his literary genius, and diplomatic endeavors. Documentaries on Bokhari’s distinguished life journey were also presented.
Earlier in her welcome note, Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of PAL, highlighted Bokhari’s literary, intellectual, and diplomatic achievements. She presented a comprehensive overview of his mastery of language, wit, and depth of thought. She thanked the Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division for releasing the necessary funds for the renovation of the conference hall and expressed special gratitude to Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his continued patronage of literary institutions like PAL.
