Home
News & Events
Join us for a Session on Heer Waris Shah and the Launch of its English Translation

Join us for a Session on Heer Waris Shah and the Launch of its English Translation

October 24, 2025

Time:

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

A-11, Academic Block, LUMS

The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature is pleased to invite you to a session on Heer Waris Shah, featuring the launch of the English translation of Heer Waris Shah by Sarwat Mohiuddin. This book is the sixth volume in the Literary Heritage Series for Young Readers, designed to introduce readers unfamiliar with Punjabi to the timeless poetry of Punjab’s greatest classical poet.

Syed Waris Shah masterfully used the legend of Heer and Ranjha to depict the social, cultural, and moral fabric of agrarian Punjab. His poetic genius lies in his dramatic narrative style, linguistic richness, and profound insight into human existence—qualities that continue to inspire audiences across generations.

The translation by Sarwat Mohiuddin, an eminent poet and writer, carefully curates verses to make the text accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Zahid Hassan will be moderating the session in conversation with Sarwat Mohiuddin, and the event will also feature archival audio melodies related to Heer presented from the Lutfullah Archives. Taimoor Afghani, known for his Heer Khwanī, will be performing a live rendition of Heer at the event.

About the Participants:

Zahid Hassan (real name Zahid Hussain) has been affiliated with the Gurmani Centre for Language and Literature for nearly a decade, where he teaches Punjabi and actively contributes to the Centre’s academic and literary events. He is a poet, novelist, and prominent literary figure in the Punjabi language. He has received several national awards, along with the prestigious Dhahan International Prize for Punjabi Literature. He has published several books of fiction, poetry, research, and literary criticism in Punjabi. His works include the novels Ishaq Lataare Aadmi, Ghalichaa Unnan Wali, Qissa Aashiqaan, Tassi Dharti, and Kahani ek Maa di, the short story collections Panjah Varhian di Udaasi and Hijr Tera Je Pani Mangay; as well as several volumes of poetry, research, and criticism. At the Gurmani Centre, he also serves as the editor of Numūd, a multilingual student magazine.

Sarwat Mohiuddin is a distinguished poet, translator, painter, and prose writer in Punjabi, English, and Urdu, born in Lahore, Pakistan. She is the author of twenty-five books spanning poetry, travelogues, translations, and children’s literature. Her scholarly work covers themes such as the lives and teachings of Sufi poets of Punjab, the portrayal of women in classical literature, Punjabi legends, the cultural significance of folk songs, and Punjabi folk traditions. A visiting lecturer at national and international institutions, she has represented Pakistan at numerous global conferences and seminars. Sarwat has received multiple honors and awards both nationally and internationally and serves as a member of the Pakistan Punjabi Literary Board, Vice President of the Pak-Hungarian Friendship Association, Book Ambassador of the National Book Foundation, and former Executive Chairperson of the Literary Group of the Asian Study Group (ASG) Islamabad.

Taimoor Afghani is an educator, researcher, and cultural practitioner dedicated to the preservation of the Punjabi language and oral heritage. He teaches Punjabi at Hur Sukh School and serves as the editor of Panj Pani, a Punjabi literary magazine. A resident of Jandiala Sher Khan—a town believed to have been established by Syed Sher Shah, the father of Pir Waris Shah—he is actively working to establish the Pir Waris Shah Academy to further the study and legacy of the great poet. He also organizes the monthly Heer-singing mehfil at the Darbar of Waris Shah on the 14th night of every lunar month, keeping alive one of the most cherished oral traditions of Punjab.

To register for the event, please click here.

Add to Calendar 2025-10-22 11:31:41 2025-10-22 11:31:41 Join us for a Session on Heer Waris Shah and the Launch of its English Translation The Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature is pleased to invite you to a session on Heer Waris Shah, featuring the launch of the English translation of Heer Waris Shah by Sarwat Mohiuddin. This book is the sixth volume in the Literary Heritage Series for Young Readers, designed to introduce readers unfamiliar with Punjabi to the timeless poetry of Punjab’s greatest classical poet.Syed Waris Shah masterfully used the legend of Heer and Ranjha to depict the social, cultural, and moral fabric of agrarian Punjab. His poetic genius lies in his dramatic narrative style, linguistic richness, and profound insight into human existence—qualities that continue to inspire audiences across generations.The translation by Sarwat Mohiuddin, an eminent poet and writer, carefully curates verses to make the text accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Zahid Hassan will be moderating the session in conversation with Sarwat Mohiuddin, and the event will also feature archival audio melodies related to Heer presented from the Lutfullah Archives. Taimoor Afghani, known for his Heer Khwanī, will be performing a live rendition of Heer at the event.About the Participants:Zahid Hassan (real name Zahid Hussain) has been affiliated with the Gurmani Centre for Language and Literature for nearly a decade, where he teaches Punjabi and actively contributes to the Centre’s academic and literary events. He is a poet, novelist, and prominent literary figure in the Punjabi language. He has received several national awards, along with the prestigious Dhahan International Prize for Punjabi Literature. He has published several books of fiction, poetry, research, and literary criticism in Punjabi. His works include the novels Ishaq Lataare Aadmi, Ghalichaa Unnan Wali, Qissa Aashiqaan, Tassi Dharti, and Kahani ek Maa di, the short story collections Panjah Varhian di Udaasi and Hijr Tera Je Pani Mangay; as well as several volumes of poetry, research, and criticism. At the Gurmani Centre, he also serves as the editor of Numūd, a multilingual student magazine.Sarwat Mohiuddin is a distinguished poet, translator, painter, and prose writer in Punjabi, English, and Urdu, born in Lahore, Pakistan. She is the author of twenty-five books spanning poetry, travelogues, translations, and children’s literature. Her scholarly work covers themes such as the lives and teachings of Sufi poets of Punjab, the portrayal of women in classical literature, Punjabi legends, the cultural significance of folk songs, and Punjabi folk traditions. A visiting lecturer at national and international institutions, she has represented Pakistan at numerous global conferences and seminars. Sarwat has received multiple honors and awards both nationally and internationally and serves as a member of the Pakistan Punjabi Literary Board, Vice President of the Pak-Hungarian Friendship Association, Book Ambassador of the National Book Foundation, and former Executive Chairperson of the Literary Group of the Asian Study Group (ASG) Islamabad.Taimoor Afghani is an educator, researcher, and cultural practitioner dedicated to the preservation of the Punjabi language and oral heritage. He teaches Punjabi at Hur Sukh School and serves as the editor of Panj Pani, a Punjabi literary magazine. A resident of Jandiala Sher Khan—a town believed to have been established by Syed Sher Shah, the father of Pir Waris Shah—he is actively working to establish the Pir Waris Shah Academy to further the study and legacy of the great poet. He also organizes the monthly Heer-singing mehfil at the Darbar of Waris Shah on the 14th night of every lunar month, keeping alive one of the most cherished oral traditions of Punjab. To register for the event, please click here. A-11, Academic Block, LUMS LUMS Drupal 8 adil.sarwar@lums.edu.pk Asia/Karachi public

Upcoming Events

Symposium on Biology & Psychology: Life & Consciousness Date:January 04, 2027 to January 06, 2027
Full Details
You’re Invited to Alumni Homecoming 2026! Date:December 19, 2026 to December 19, 2026
Full Details
LUMS at 40: Join Us for a Gala Celebration in New York Date:November 20, 2026 to November 20, 2026
Full Details
Join Us for a Session on How to Read Iqbal Date:November 06, 2026 to November 06, 2026
Full Details

Join us for a Session on Heer Waris Shah and the Launch of its English Translation

Join us for a Session on Heer Waris Shah and the Launch of its English Translation

Upcoming Events

Events Calendar

Recent News

French Ambassador Visits LUMS to Discuss Academic Partnerships

Austrian Ambassador Visits LUMS to Explore Academic Collaboration

LUMS Students Honoured with Qimam Award for High-Potential Leaders

Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Partners with National AI Hub at LUMS to Advance AI in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

AAS-in-Asia Comes to Pakistan: A Conversation with Tajwar Awan

Gender and the Economy: LUMS Conference Examines Structural Barriers to Women's Economic Participation

AI x Health 2026: Pakistan's First National Convening on AI and Health

Canada Alumni Set New Milestone with Celebration of Reunion 2026

Dr. Hadia Majid (BSc 2005) Featured by the International Economic Association

Research by LUMS Faculty Published in VoxDev Highlights Role of Mobility in Women’s Economic Participation

Launching a New Chapter in Pakistan–China Legal Engagement

LUMS Hosts Policy Dialogue on Girls’ Education and Inclusion of Religious Minorities

Ali Farid Khwaja (BSc 2003 & MSc 2004) Appointed Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)

LUMS at ThinkFest 2026

Scholar Spotlight: Andleeb Shehzadi

Leading Pakistan's Future Through Public Service

Shahid Javed Burki Shares Insights on Pakistan’s Economy and Policy at LUMS

Branches of Safety: Reimagining Protection of Women in Digital Spaces

Ministry of IT & Telecommunication Partners with LUMS for Citizen-centric Digital Pakistan

In Memoriam: Tariq Sajid Shaikh