Blessings

I am delighted that the English Literary Association, Jamia Millia Islamia, is holding a 3-day literary festival to commemorate Charles Dickens and Saadat Hasan Manto. Just as Dickens has become part of our literary consciousness through his novels, either in the original or through their translation into Indian languages, Manto, too, has become part of our national narrative through his stark portrayal in his works of the Partition of India that gave birth to the postcolonial nation. Both the writers have also striking similarities in their sympathy for the underdog and their fearless exposure of social evils.

I hope the festival will be an occasion for students to connect deeply with these writers, soak themselves in their works and imbibe their ideals. I wish it a grand success!

M Asaduddin, Ph.d
Professor and Head

Department of English,

Jamia Millia Islamia