Preserve Cultures

Preserve Cultures

Ahmad Ali Talha

Ahmad Ali Talha – Scholar, poet, and researcher specializing in banned literature, known for his contributions to Urdu and English literature.

Ahmad Ali Talha is a young talented literary figure of Urdu and English Literature. Let’s go through his biography and learn about his works.  

Name: Ahmad Ali Talha 

Father: Dilbar Sher Ashraf 

Date of Birth: 13 March, 2000 

Birthplace: Jhang, Punjab 

Education: M.Phil. American Studies 

Expertise: Researcher (Banned Literature) 

Currently living: In Islamabad 

Early Life and Education of Ahmad Ali Talha 

Ahmad Ali Talha is the son of Dilbar Sher Ashraf. He was born into a family of educators. Both his father and mother served as school teachers. They have been fostering an environment rich in intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. As the eldest of four siblings, Ahmad carried the responsibility of setting a precedent for his younger family members. His passion for literature and knowledge led him to pursue an MPhil in American Studies from the prestigious Area Study Center for Africa, North and South America at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. 

Academic and Research Contributions

The academic journey of Ahmad Ali has been marked by an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge. He started his schooling from his hometown and college at Govt. Emerson College in Nakhlistan and reached Quaid i Azam University. His research primarily focused on banned literature, examining its implications and impact across Pakistan, Iran, and America. This exploration provided him with a good understanding of the politics of censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of literature in shaping societies. His work in this field remains a significant contribution to contemporary literary discourse. 

Literary Endeavors of Ahmad Ali Talha

From an early stage in his academic life, Ahmad exhibited a natural talent for writing and editing. He has a good understanding of the importance of culture. Ahmad worked as an editor for both college and university magazines, refining his ability to critique and curate literary pieces. Talha worked with Private Makhzan, BZU Adab e Latif. His passion for literature extends beyond academia, he actively conducts weekly study circles, book clubs, and poetry sessions. It creates spaces where literary enthusiasts are engaging in meaningful discussions and intellectual exchanges. Some of the activities are; 

  1. Weekly Literary Dialogue Forum at QAU. 
  1. Monthly Islamabad Book Club. 
  1. Monthly ChayeKhana Poetry Session. 

He also shares a love for Pakistan’s local literature for example Khowar Literature and many others. 

Poetry and Prose of Ahmad Ali Talha

Ahmad Ali is a prolific poet and writer. He writes evocative poetry and compelling short stories. His literary creations reflect deep emotional introspection, the image of society, and philosophical contemplation. His love for literature is best encapsulated in his own words, “Literature oozes life in dying veins”. Additionally, he has a good composition of poems and prose that he is eager to publish. 

Social Contributions of Ahmad Ali Talha

Beyond his literary pursuits, Ahmad is also committed to education and social reform. He works with Alif Se Yeh, an organization dedicated to teaching Urdu to diaspora communities. His engagement with various NGOs underscores his dedication to empowering underprivileged students. More recently, he has taken up the critical task of educating students on taboo subjects such as sex education. It is to break societal barriers to provide essential knowledge for personal and social well-being. 

Influences and Literary Inspirations

Ahmad Ali’s literary journey began with the works of Allama Iqbal, but he soon reached the revolutionary poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Faraz, and Amjad Islam Amjad. As he matured, he developed a deep admiration for Noon Meem Rashid, whose modernist poetry significantly shaped his worldview. His literary appetite expanded beyond South Asia, embracing the poetic brilliance of T.S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, and Pablo Neruda. However, prose remains his true love, particularly novels and short stories. 

He draws immense inspiration from Russian literature, particularly the psychological depth of Dostoyevsky and Chekhov. The magical realism of Latin American authors like Jose Saramago and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He also attracts the narrative genius of American writers such as Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, Zora Neale Hurston, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Toni Morrison. Irish and English writers have also played a crucial role in shaping his literary sensibilities. Among Pakistani and Indian authors, he highly regards Mohsin Hamid, Muhammad Hanif, Bapsi Sidhwa, Kamila Shamsie, and Arundhati Roy. His vast and eclectic reading list is a testament to his insatiable literary curiosity. 

Future Aspirations

Ahmad Ali is further motivated by literary and intellectual exploration. His untired dedication to literature, education, and social change positions him as a transformative figure in contemporary literary circles. Whether through his poetry, research, or teaching initiatives, he continues to inspire and enlighten those around him. His journey is far from over, and his contributions will undoubtedly leave a mark on Pakistan’s literary and academic landscapes and beyond. 

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