Urdu translation of N. America’s women poets’ selected poems published
Zubair Qureshi
Pakistan’s literary scene is enriched by the addition of North America’s women poets’ selected poems (Urdu translation) in the form of an anthology titled “Shumali America Ki Shairaat.”
The book is translated by eminent writer and translator Naheed Virk and published by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL).
The launching ceremony of the book was held at the PAL auditorium on Monday. Ambassador of the United States (US) Donald Blome and Adviser to Prime Minister for National Heritage and Cultural Division Engineer Amir Muqaam were the chief guests while Chairman of the PAL Dr Yousuf Khushk was the host. Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Cultural Division Farina Mazhar, senior officials of the US embassy and noted poets and writers of the twin cities attended the event.
While addressing the ceremony, Engineer Amir Muqaam said the book was a valuable addition in Urdu literature and would help the Pakistani/Urdu readers understand the American society and people, particularly its women’s minds. Ambassador Donald Blome said the year 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Pakistan-US relations and launching of a book containing translation of the US women poets’ works was a good sign. It would serve to introduce the American women of letters to the Pakistani readers particularly the young girls who are immensely talented. The book, he said, was a window through which Urdu readers could see the view of American society and literature.
The US envoy also commended PAL Chairman Yousuf Khushk for his dedication and passion for building bridges among societies through literature and books. “He is a man of multiple talents and has already published an Urdu translation of the American stories so that the Urdu-speaking people could know them.
Dr Yousuf Khushk while expressing gratitude to Engineer Amir Muqam, Secretary National Heritage and Cultural Division, Farina Mazhar and the US ambassador Donald Blome said the book was an important addition in PAL’s publications.
The poets included in this selection are the pillars of modern American literature.
