New Delhi: The Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Mazhar Asif, delivered the first Qurratulain Hyder Memorial Lecture, organised by the university’s Premchand Archives & Literary Centre (PALC). The event paid tribute to the celebrated Urdu novelist and writer Qurratulain Hyder, whose literary contributions have had a lasting influence on South Asian literature.

In his address, Prof. Asif spoke about the importance of literature as a bridge between cultures and communities. He emphasised that writers like Qurratulain Hyder expanded the boundaries of storytelling by bringing historical memory, social realities, and cultural experiences into their works. The lecture reflected on how literature continues to shape intellectual discourse and cultural understanding.

The event also highlighted the role of institutions such as the Premchand Archives & Literary Centre in preserving literary heritage and encouraging academic engagement with major literary figures. Scholars, faculty members, students, and literature enthusiasts attended the programme, which sought to promote dialogue on Urdu literature and its evolving place in contemporary scholarship.

Through the memorial lecture series, Jamia Millia Islamia aims to celebrate influential writers while creating a platform for discussions on literary traditions, research, and cultural exchange. Organisers noted that the lecture series will continue to invite scholars and literary experts to reflect on the contributions of prominent authors and their relevance in modern times.

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