October 24, 2025
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A-11, Academic Block, LUMS
The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature is pleased to invite you to a session on Heer Waris Shah, featuring the launch of the English translation of Heer Waris Shah by Sarwat Mohiuddin. This book is the sixth volume in the Literary Heritage Series for Young Readers, designed to introduce readers unfamiliar with Punjabi to the timeless poetry of Punjab’s greatest classical poet.
Syed Waris Shah masterfully used the legend of Heer and Ranjha to depict the social, cultural, and moral fabric of agrarian Punjab. His poetic genius lies in his dramatic narrative style, linguistic richness, and profound insight into human existence—qualities that continue to inspire audiences across generations.
The translation by Sarwat Mohiuddin, an eminent poet and writer, carefully curates verses to make the text accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Zahid Hassan will be moderating the session in conversation with Sarwat Mohiuddin, and the event will also feature archival audio melodies related to Heer presented from the Lutfullah Archives. Taimoor Afghani, known for his Heer Khwanī, will be performing a live rendition of Heer at the event.
About the Participants:
Zahid Hassan (real name Zahid Hussain) has been affiliated with the Gurmani Centre for Language and Literature for nearly a decade, where he teaches Punjabi and actively contributes to the Centre’s academic and literary events. He is a poet, novelist, and prominent literary figure in the Punjabi language. He has received several national awards, along with the prestigious Dhahan International Prize for Punjabi Literature. He has published several books of fiction, poetry, research, and literary criticism in Punjabi. His works include the novels Ishaq Lataare Aadmi, Ghalichaa Unnan Wali, Qissa Aashiqaan, Tassi Dharti, and Kahani ek Maa di, the short story collections Panjah Varhian di Udaasi and Hijr Tera Je Pani Mangay; as well as several volumes of poetry, research, and criticism. At the Gurmani Centre, he also serves as the editor of Numūd, a multilingual student magazine.
Sarwat Mohiuddin is a distinguished poet, translator, painter, and prose writer in Punjabi, English, and Urdu, born in Lahore, Pakistan. She is the author of twenty-five books spanning poetry, travelogues, translations, and children’s literature. Her scholarly work covers themes such as the lives and teachings of Sufi poets of Punjab, the portrayal of women in classical literature, Punjabi legends, the cultural significance of folk songs, and Punjabi folk traditions. A visiting lecturer at national and international institutions, she has represented Pakistan at numerous global conferences and seminars. Sarwat has received multiple honors and awards both nationally and internationally and serves as a member of the Pakistan Punjabi Literary Board, Vice President of the Pak-Hungarian Friendship Association, Book Ambassador of the National Book Foundation, and former Executive Chairperson of the Literary Group of the Asian Study Group (ASG) Islamabad.
Taimoor Afghani is an educator, researcher, and cultural practitioner dedicated to the preservation of the Punjabi language and oral heritage. He teaches Punjabi at Hur Sukh School and serves as the editor of Panj Pani, a Punjabi literary magazine. A resident of Jandiala Sher Khan—a town believed to have been established by Syed Sher Shah, the father of Pir Waris Shah—he is actively working to establish the Pir Waris Shah Academy to further the study and legacy of the great poet. He also organizes the monthly Heer-singing mehfil at the Darbar of Waris Shah on the 14th night of every lunar month, keeping alive one of the most cherished oral traditions of Punjab.
To register for the event, please click here.
