LAHORE : Speakers at a literary reference paid glowing tributes to the late renowned poet, short-story writer, and critic, Samina Syed, describing her as a unique voice who created new paths in the world of words and gracefully fought life’s hardships, including her battle with cancer.
The memorial event, titled “Samina Syed: A Firefly of Hope” (Samina Syed Ek Umeed Ka Jugnu), was organized by Shazia Mufti at the University of Management and Technology (UMT). The solemn gathering was presided over by noted scholar Dr. Najeeb Jamal, while eminent literary figure Ghulam Hussain Sajid was the chief guest.
A Life of Resilience and Creative Brilliance
The speakers highlighted that Samina Syed was not just an ordinary writer, but a soulful artist who could beautifully translate deep emotional pain into poignant prose and poetry. Despite facing immense personal tragedies—including being widowed at a young age and raising her children single-handedly like a resilient laborer—she never let her struggles dim her smile.
Even while battling a fatal disease like cancer, she continued her academic pursuits as an M.Phil student, refusing to mourn her pain publicly. She left behind a rich literary legacy consisting of six published books spanning poetry, short stories (afsaane), and literary criticism, while her debut novel is currently awaiting posthumous publication.
Moving Accounts from Literary Icons
Addressing the audience, the President of the session, Dr. Najeeb Jamal, remarked:
“The metaphor of the lamp (diya) was central to Samina’s poetry; it was the light of her soul. When she stepped into literary criticism after poetry and fiction, her critical work also adopted the vibrant colors of creativity. Her Punjabi poetry carries an authentic fragrance of the soil.”
Chief Guest Ghulam Hussain Sajid recalled his long association with the writer, mentioning that he wrote the preface for her book Mere Hamsafar. In a moving recollection, he shared how, during their last meeting, Samina emotionally remarked that he reminded her of her late father.
Distinguished academic Prof. Shahid Ashraf from FC College, where Samina completed her M.Phil, stated that she was the epitome of fine manners and hospitality, adding that literature ran through her veins and teaching was her ultimate passion.
Four Decades of Unbreakable Friendship
Host Shazia Mufti shared a deeply emotional account of her 40-year-old bond with Samina, which began during their school and college days in Pakpattan. Though life and marriage temporarily separated them, fate reunited the two friends at a literary event in 2015.
“Samina was a masterpiece of patience, courage, self-respect, and hard work. Even when life took a difficult turn with cancer, her connection with knowledge remained unbroken,” Mufti shared.
Musical and Visual Tributes
The event featured a beautifully crafted documentary on the life of Samina Syed, produced by Tehniat Naqvi and Shawal Raza, showcasing her reciting poetry and interacting with fellow intellectuals.
To honor her memory, vocalists performed her favorite melodies:
- Anjum Shirazi sang Jagjit Singh’s iconic ghazal “Pyar Ka Pehla Khat” and Sahir Ludhianvi’s classic “Mein Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya”.
- Neelam Ahmad Bashir performed the classic song “Phool Tumhein Bheja Hai Khat Mein”.
- Usama Abbas Mirza presented two of Samina Syed’s ghazals set to his own original compositions.
The reference concluded with the recitation of one of her touching Punjabi couplets:
“Loorhan de harh injh waliwan paya ae Mitti de wich rul gaye shimle weeran de” (The floods of hardships engulfed us in such a way / That the proud turbans of brothers were mingled into the dust).
The event commenced with a soulful recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Naat written by Samina Syed, beautifully recited by Munazza Sahar. UMT representative Ahmed Sohail Nasrullah welcomed the guests and introduced the university’s literary contributions.
The memorial was attended by Samina’s mother, her sister Nosheen Naqvi, her brother-in-law Raja Riaz, her son Sarim Raza, and her daughter Shawal Raza. Prominent literary figures in attendance included Dr. Amjad Tufail, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Virk, Khalid Mahmood Ashifta, Ruqaiya Akbar, Dilshad Naseem, Wilayat Ahmed Farooqi, Rabia Rehman, Irfan Sadiq, Itrat Batool, Shaheen Ashraf, Muhammad Jamil, and Shahnaz Naqvi.
Reported By: staff reporter , Lahore I may 21,2026
