IPS Press launches ‘Mushahidat-e-Zindagi’ by former chief economist Fasih Uddin
IPS Press – the publishing arm of Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad – launched the book ‘Mushahidat-e-Zindagi’ – which was authored by former chief economist of Pakistan and senior IPS associate Fasih Uddin – in a special ceremony organized at the Institute’s premises on February 2, 2017.
The chief guest of the event was the current adviser to PM on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, who commended the writer for his gripping work, terming his recent publication a bedside table book that should be benefited from anytime both for acquiring the knowledge as well as to uplift the mood. He said that the author was an accomplished individual who had served the country for years with his invaluable contributions. The vast amount of author’s experience and observations, according to Aziz, were duly reflected in his book which was not only an interesting read but also offered a host of lessons to learn from.
Chairman IPS Professor Khurshid Ahmad, who was chairing the session, endorsed Aziz’s thoughts stating that after presenting Pakistan’s economic picture very efficiently in his previous two writings, the author in his recent work has beautifully shed light on the lives of a few eminent personalities while writing upon various other interesting topics alongside in a very literary, yet easy-to-understand manner, which was an achievement in itself. In other words, he said, the publication was not really a research work, yet it offered the wisdom and reasoning that was based on years of research and experience in order to support the perspectives and recommendations presented in the publication.
Former deputy chairman, Planning Commission of Pakistan Saeed Ahmad Qureshi opined that Fasih Uddin’s book covered a very wide spectrum, deliberating upon scientists, social activists, rulers, leaders, government servants, etc. altogether. Even from the subjective perspective, apart from the writer’s personal observations, the book discussed matters pertaining to economics, national fiscal policies, and national institutional development alongside sharing several rich experiences from the writer’s personal life and international travels. The book also offered a few motivating stories of struggling common men who later rose to success in life due to their dedication and hard work.
Renowned writer Col (r) Ashfaq Hussain also praised the book stating that the work comprised all the important features of compelling writing including storytelling, travelogues, sketches, persuasive essays, etc.
DG-IPS Khalid Rahman read before the audience a few excerpts from the book which were received with great enthusiasm.
A note from Dr Syed Waqar Ahmad Rizvi, professor, Urdu department, University of Karachi, was also presented on the occasion in which he praised the writer for his enlightened approach and entertaining style of presentation.
It seems pertinent to mention here that the IPS Press publication ‘Mushahidat-e-Zindagi’ comprises two parts: Mushahidat-e-Dunya (Observations from the World) and Mushahidat-e-Dil (Observations by the Heart).
The first part is a collection of observation-driven articles and stories written on multifarious topics including essays on four eminent personalities: Hakim Mohammad Said, Lee Kuan Yew (the father of Singapore), Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Shah, and Akbar Adil (a teacher of the author), followed by writer’s travelogues from Turkey and Delhi, and finally presenting two articles on ‘The Formation of National Economic Policy’ and ‘Personal and Institutional Development’, which are based on the writer’s lectures delivered at IPS.
The second part, which is titled ‘Mushahidat-e-Dil’, comprises compositions, sketches and stories written in an entertaining, light-hearted and easy-to understand manner.
