- Prof. Mohammad Aleem shares his creative writing journey and discusses literature, reading and developing creative talent
New Delhi, September 21, 2026: The Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) organised an extension lecture titled “My Journey of Creative Writing” on September 18, 2026, at the Dr Abdul Halim Library of the Department of Arabic.
The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem, A.M. Khwaja Chair Professor, Department of History, JMI, who spoke about his personal experiences with creative writing and the development of his literary interests.
Programme Begins with Quranic Recitation
The programme began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
Professor Nasim Akhter, coordinator of the event, conducted the programme, introduced the speaker and highlighted the significance of the lecture topic.
The programme was presided over by Prof. Fauzan Ahmad, Head, Department of Arabic, JMI.
Prof. Mohammad Aleem Shares Creative Writing Journey
Speaking on “My Journey of Creative Writing,” Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem shared experiences from his journey as a creative writer.
He explained that creative writing can sometimes begin unexpectedly and said that his own potential for creative writing was discovered in an unplanned manner.
Recalling his early years, Prof. Aleem shared that his parents wanted him to become a doctor, but he chose to come to Jamia to pursue his interest in creative writing.
He described how the discovery of his creative interests eventually became an important driving force in his life and influenced the direction of his career.
Literary Works Across Multiple Genres
During the lecture, Prof. Aleem spoke about his literary works and creative experiments across different genres, including drama, novels and screenplays.
Among the works discussed during the programme were his plays:
- Aadmakhor
- Rabia
He also highlighted his novels:
- Jo Amma Mili to Kahan Mili
- Mere Nalon Ki Gumshuda Awaaz
- Ek Musafir Ki Kahani
Prof. Aleem also informed the audience about his forthcoming literary works, including Rida-e-Haram, based on the life of Hazrat Aisha (RA), and another upcoming novel based on the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
Students Encouraged to Explore Creative Writing
In his presidential address, Prof. Fauzan Ahmad, Head of the Department of Arabic, highlighted the significance of the lecture and the inspiration students could draw from Prof. Aleem's creative journey.
He encouraged students to explore creative writing and emphasised the importance of extensive reading, particularly biographies.
According to Prof. Ahmad, biographies can provide insights into the development of successful creative personalities, the challenges they faced and the ways in which they developed their abilities and achieved their goals.
Faculty and Students Attend the Programme
The programme was attended by faculty members, research scholars and students of the Department of Arabic.
Faculty members and students from the Departments of Urdu and Hindi also participated in the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Nasim Akhtar.
Key Facts
- Institution: Jamia Millia Islamia
- Department: Department of Arabic
- Programme: Extension Lecture
- Topic: “My Journey of Creative Writing”
- Date: September 18, 2026
- Venue: Dr Abdul Halim Library, Department of Arabic
- Speaker: Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem
- Speaker's position: A.M. Khwaja Chair Professor, Department of History, JMI
- Presided by: Prof. Fauzan Ahmad, Head, Department of Arabic
- Coordinator: Prof. Nasim Akhter
- Participants: Faculty members, research scholars and students from Arabic, Urdu and Hindi departments
FAQs
What lecture was organised by JMI's Department of Arabic?
The Department of Arabic at Jamia Millia Islamia organised an extension lecture titled “My Journey of Creative Writing.”
When was the lecture held?
The lecture was held on September 18, 2026.
Who delivered the lecture?
The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem, A.M. Khwaja Chair Professor, Department of History, JMI.
Where was the lecture organised?
The programme was held at the Dr Abdul Halim Library, Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia.
What did Prof. Mohammad Aleem discuss?
Prof. Aleem discussed his personal journey in creative writing, his experiences and his literary works across genres including drama, novels and screenplays.
Which literary works did Prof. Aleem discuss?
The works mentioned included the plays Aadmakhor and Rabia, and the novels Jo Amma Mili to Kahan Mili, Mere Nalon Ki Gumshuda Awaaz and Ek Musafir Ki Kahani.
What forthcoming works did Prof. Aleem mention?
He mentioned an upcoming novel titled Rida-e-Haram, based on the life of Hazrat Aisha (RA), as well as another forthcoming novel on the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
What advice did the Head of the Department of Arabic give students?
Prof. Fauzan Ahmad encouraged students to explore creative writing and emphasised extensive reading, particularly biographies, as a way to gain insights into the journeys of successful creative personalities.
Who attended the JMI creative writing lecture?
Faculty members, research scholars and students of the Department of Arabic attended the programme, along with some faculty members and students from the Departments of Urdu and Hindi.
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