Seminar on “Translation and Creative Writing” at UoG: Famous author, novelist columnist Intizar Hussain was the Chief Guest.

A seminar on “Translation and Creative Writing” was held in the Video Conferencing Hall of Hafiz Hayat Campus, University of Gujrat (UoG) organized by Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CeLTS).

Celebrated Urdu fiction writer, critic and columnist of Pakistan Mr Intizar Hussain was the Chief Guest and Speaker of this seminar. Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin, Vice Chancellor UoG presided over this seminar. A large number of students, faculty members, scholars and university personalities attended this seminar. Prominent scholar Sahibzada Ahmad Nadeem and Ambassador Tawheed Ahmad were also include among the speakers while Shaikh Abdul Rashid, Director Media & Publication UoG performed as the moderator of this seminar. Mr Intizar Hussain while elaborating different aspects of translation and creative writing said, “A language can be enriched only by qualitative translations in different fields of knowledge. Translation can also be helpful in cultural evolution. Translations into multiple languages are helping to enhance the intellectual horizon of humanity. While translating the creative writings, it is essential to know not only the languages but the cultural milieu of those languages too.

The knowledge is always cultivated through discussion and cultural relations among the nations. Translation is a method to develop relations among different cultures. In Pakistan, translation works are being done by the individual authors. It is necessary to establish Translation Institutes on government level for development of translation work. UoG has performed a unique job by establishing Centre for Languages & Translation Studies. It is hoped that this Center will be helpful to accomplish the responsibility of translations in national and regional languages. There are many good translations of literary works in Urdu language but the books of history, philosophy and other knowledge have not been translated in plenty. A good translator should keep in mind the different aspects of both the languages while translating from one language into the other. Expression, idiom and cultural milieu of the languages are most important for a translator. The translation of fiction is easy as compared with the translation of poetry.” Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin, Vice Chancellor UoG in his welcoming remarks said, “Intizar Hussain is a legendary personality of Pakistani literature. He is a multidimensional author. His writings encompass all genres of literature. Intizar Hussain occupies a prominent place among the great writers. It is an honor that Intizar Hussain has visited UoG for giving an extensive lecture on translation and creative writing. Centre for Languages & Translation Studies (CeLTS) established by UoG will help in the promotion and research of languages.” Famous scholar and teacher Sahibzada Ahmad Nadeem said, “Although translation is a secondary work but a good translator can make the translation a creative writing through his commitment. Aesthetic sense of languages should also be kept in view by a good translator. Intizar Hussain is considered among one of the best creative writers of our times.” Shaikh Abdul Rashid, Director Media & Publications UoG while moderating the seminar said, “Intizar Hussain is an institution himself in his brilliant personality. His writings are an excellent expression of contemporary human situation. His impact upon contemporary literature is enormous.” Advisor CeLTS, Tauheed Ahmad in his vote of thanks said, “A translator should always remember the cultural and social scenario of languages in his mind. Intizar Hussain has beautifully elaborated different aspects of translation and creative writing. I hope that students will have learned some basics of translation studies in this seminar.” Mr Ghulam Ali, Coordinator CeLTS said that this series of extensive lectures under the auspices of CeLTS will prove productive for students of UoG. The writings of Intizar Hussain are a true depiction of our times.