The Urdu Department of Government College University (GCU) Lahore organized a seminar on Thursday to commemorate the centenary of renowned Urdu poet Nasir Raza Kazmi. The event paid homage to Kazmi’s literary legacy and his enduring contributions to Urdu poetry.

Distinguished guests included Kazmi’s elder son, Basir Sultan Kazmi, an acclaimed poet and dramatist, who attended the seminar as the chief guest. He was joined by other eminent personalities, including Prof. Dr. Saadat Saeed, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Sanjrani, Dr. Saima Irum, Mr. Siddique Awan, and Prof. Sajid Ali.

The guests also had a special meeting with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry, during which they discussed the rich literary heritage of Government College Lahore and the institution’s pivotal role in the promotion of Urdu literature. On this occasion, Basir Sultan Kazmi presented his book “Shajar Honay Tak” to the Vice Chancellor.

During the seminar, speakers highlighted Nasir Kazmi’s poetic brilliance, sharing personal anecdotes and scholarly reflections on his timeless verses. Javed Iqbal spoke about GCU’s longstanding tradition of nurturing creativity and urged students to channel their energies into innovative and meaningful pursuits.

In his keynote address, Basir Sultan Kazmi emphasised the importance of passion and enthusiasm among students, saying these qualities are key to progress and success. Professor Sajid Ali encouraged students to stay curious and ask questions, noting that GCU has always maintained its excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Sanjrani described Nasir Kazmi as one of Lahore’s cultural icons, saying, “Like other great symbols of civilisation, Nasir Kazmi is a major reference point for Lahore. His creative vision continues to enlighten us,” he added.

Prof. Dr. Saadat Saeed described Nasir Kazmi as a modern poet whose works continue to resonate with new generations, while Dr. Saima Irum remarked that his poetry transcends time and remains relevant across all eras. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Kazmi’s life and legacy.

The seminar witnessed active participation from students, who paid heartfelt tributes to Nasir Kazmi through readings and reflections on his poetry.