Aaseeyah Rasheed's respledent book launch at Barcelos for friends and family |
9th September 2018, was one busy day for the city of saints. As, it was a day before the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haraam, the holy month, in which, majority of Muslims avoid any kind of celebration. The launch of Aaseeyah Rasheed's book of poetry was decided to be on the same date. Fortunately, the time selected for the event, on that Sunday, was different and suited many, who could directly reach Barcelos for this lunch, after attending some coffee morning, before any hi-tea, dinner or launches taking place elsewhere.
We must say, Aaseeyah is a fortunate young lady. Not only that her talent of writing Urdu poetry has been discovered at such a tender age, just like legendary Urdu poetess Parveen Shakir, but she is also blessed to have very supportive and loving parents and grandparents. Her father Mr. Ahsan Rasheed and her mother, Shimaila (Mala Ahsan) are truly proud of the fact that their eldest has selected 'Urdu poetry', as medium of expression. One of the most sophisticated languages of the world, with great literary and poetic history, also the national language of our country, Pakistan.
Aaseeyah's parents are also blessed with this great spirit of celebration. They cherish, their children's successes, birthdays and different achievements, in a jubilant way. Once, they invited their friends to Aaseeyah's book launch, many of them were surprised, how are they going to conduct this traditional ceremony in a chic restaurant like Barcelos, but Voila! Mala Ahsan took her magic wand and transformed the place to a Blue fairyland. Complete with fairy lights, baloons and endless rows of flowers. Special standees were put up with Aaseeyah's introduction and picture, given on the book, named 'Woh pehli dharkan'. Aaseeyah was also dressed in Blue, to match the colour of her book cover and the layout theme of the party.
Aaseeyah invited all her friends and instructed them to wear Pakistani national dress, shalwar kameez or eastern wear. It was not an ordinary meet and greet party, but a formal 'book launch', complete with a master of the ceremony, a renowned presenter from literary circle of Multan. He conducted the show, shared an introduction of this beautiful, young and talented poetess and invited her to speak. Aaseeyah described, how her grandfather admired her poetry and encouraged her to get it published in form of a book. It sure expressed how intricately, her family is sown together. Later, she went on to recite, few of her poems, greatly admired by all the gathering.
That was not all, in addition to the lunch, there were also tokens of love and giveaways for all the guests. Alongwith a copy of her book, 'Woh pehli dharkan'. With personal inscription by the little star, Aaseeyah Rasheed, herself. Everything was so beautifully and romantically done that it made people fall in love again, with Aaseeyah and Urdu together. It was Urdu, Urdu everywhere. Quite an encouraging response in, English and Hindi struck times. This book launch was another event to prove, 'Urdu is back in fashion'.
As if it was not enough. Aaseeyah's parents did not stop at this. They realize, it is important to take Urdu literary community of Multan along. So, they arranged another event of the kind, in the literary hub of city of saints, Multan tea house, for journalists, writers and poets of the region. Mr. Shakir Hussain Shakir was the host this time. Dr. Quratuluain Hashmi, Ms. Kokab were the special guests, alongwith the regular circle of Mala and Mr. Ahsan Rasheed's circle. Again, Mala decorated the entire place with same festive spirit. Lots of admiration and love was showered by different renowned names of Urdu literary world of recent times and this area. All the guest were once again, entertained with a sumptuous treat.
Congratulations to the proud parents, family and the talented young poetess. Lots of prayers for their prosperous future. Your efforts are indeed appreciated for bringing Urdu, back in fashion. Well done!
Proud mama with her talented little girl, Shimaila Jabeen with Aaseyah Rasheed |
Gorgeous grandma of Aaseeyah Rasheed |
Aasifa Khwaja
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Gorgeous girls
Fatima Shah and Zahra Shah
Tokens of love, alongwith Aaseyah's book wrapped artistically |
Tasbiha with Mala |
The presentor |
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