Raleigh Literary Society Organises discussion on Manto’s legacy

Aligarh: Saadat Hasan Manto, famous short story writer, was the focus of a captivating sission encompassing an assessment of his oeuvre, significance of his writings in the backdrop of the partition of the sub-continent, sketches of the people and places, eventfulness of his short stories and their translation at a book discussion programme organised by the Raleigh Literary Society, Department of English, Aligarh Muslim University.

The conversation between Professor Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, Chairman, Department of English and Professor Harish Narang, renowned translator and editor of Manto: Stories, Well Known, Less Known and Ill Known, an English translation of Manto’s writings, covered various aspects of Manto’s literary contributions, delving into his profound themes and narrative techniques employed by the iconic writer.

Professor Narang shared the origins of his fascination with Manto, outlining the compelling factors that drew him to the legendary writer’s works. The conversation explored Manto’s powerful narrative on partition in Toba Tek Singh, showcasing his secular and humanist attitude, even in the backdrop of the violence. Professor Narang underscored Manto’s mastery of irony and satire, presenting him as not only a storyteller but a keen observer of societal issues. He admired Manto’s representation of the struggles of the subaltern and his critical take on post-colonial issues. The conversation touched upon Manto’s writing techniques and his approach to different genres and also highlighted Manto’s open letters, including one to Pt. Nehru, showcasing the writer’s fearlessness and commitment to his craft.

Professor Asim Siddiqui steered the conversation into the challenges Manto faced, particularly the charges of obscenity. He mentioned that Manto was enrolled at AMU, though he studied here only for three months; he wrote one of his stories entitled “Inqilab Pasand” in Aligarh which was carried in Aligarh Magazine.

Professor Narang passionately defended Manto’s legacy, emphasising that Manto’s impact transcended the narrow categorization often imposed on him. He also challenged the perception that Manto was conventional, citing examples like “Kali Shalwar”, emphasising on Manto’s portrayal of women, particularly those forced into difficult circumstances, showcasing his feminist perspective and ideas beyond his time.

Professor Siddiqui asked Prof Narang to comment on Manto as a writer of cities, especially Bombay, Manto’s stories other than about partition, Manto’s relationship with his contemporaries, Manto’s radio plays, Manto’s work as a screen writer in Bombay film industry, and Manto’s reasons for migrating to Pakistan in 1948.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Professor Asim Siddiqui thanked Prof. Narang for his informative presentation.

Mr. Danish Iqbal delivered the concluding remarks on the insightful conversation on Manto’s stories.

This was followed by a question-answer round that brought out the nuances of translating stories and Manto’s legacy.

Mr. Shams Udhoha Khan delivered the vote of thanks while Ms. Mohsina conducted the session. Ms. Sharmien, Secretary, Raleigh Literary Society contributed to the smooth conduct of the event.

Faculty members and research scholars from different Departments which included Prof Ashiq Ali, Chairman, Department of Hindi and Mr Mirza Masood Beg, Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics and a bilingual scholar of Urdu and English languages, were part of the event.