The Rising Literati – Hassan Mir

Reading Time : 3 minutes

Hassan Mir, an IBA freshman, has penned down numerous poems and stories. His first book Unbroken Bonds made it to the top 15 in a competition organized by Daastan — a literary forum working for the revival of the publishing industry in Pakistan. Unbroken Bonds is an epic tale of friendship, power and faith short story which focuses on the disparity between the rich and poor, and sheds light on the stereotypical factors which are embedded in our society. The book also points out the detrimental effects of opulence, which is a country like Pakistan, can be used not only to buy one’s way out of anything but also to earn respect. The book is available both in stores and online on Daastan.com.

Here is a brief synopsis of “Unbroken Bonds” as given on Daastan’s website, Mera Qissa:

Kabir being born in one of the wealthiest families has no interest in wealth and is disgusted to see his fellow friends and family drooling over it, wasting it needlessly. He is lost until he finds Sameer; a true patriot adamant on erasing corruption from his beloved country. This new friend makes Kabir realize that they alone can change the situation of the country. However, it isn’t easy to stand against the powerful people who do not like to be held accountable, especially by youngsters with no resources. The journey then begins with the two friends who are ready to die for each other and are courageous enough to hold the powerful accountable. Their journey is filled with obstacles and everything changes with time, but only their bond remains unbroken!”

His second book ‘Downfall Towards the Sky’ was self-published on Amazon.com. It is an epic tale of the struggles and difficulties one faces throughout one’s life, and how that creates a thinking pattern towards working on the social implications of these problems. The book uses the importance of relationships to unfold the story of Babur – the Protagonist – and this key theme is what makes the Downfall Towards the Sky an interesting read. Hassan also paints a cultural picture to depict the rich and vibrant lifestyle of Karachi and its people.

Apart from prose, Mir has been actively writing poems with a special focus on Sonnets and Odes. He has written poetry for a number of platforms including The Ancient Soul, Metronome, and lately, he has been running his own blog on Instagram (hmirpoetry). His poems encompass a wide variety of genres, but he directs his writings towards societal issues and social unity; genres he is most passionate about.

“Let us fall like raindrops and scatter everywhere – on the leaves and on the ground, on the flowers and on the blocks.

 Let us be the roaming wolves, howling in moonlit nights and not the sheep betrothed to their flock.

 Let the free wind blow slowly and up in the sky,

 We fly so high that we defy the circling hawks.

 Let us be impartial for once,

 and be the keys to the rusted locks!”

He has been interviewed by MOI writes and Pharmacy Club Karachi University, and also written for Dusk.pk, Parhlo.com, Wattpad, etc.

Lastly, Hassan Mir’s message to the youth is to keep on trying no matter how hard or challenging it gets. One should always have the confidence to believe in himself and never give up. Even if there exists an imbalance on the verge of oblivion, one should keep their focus on achieving their goals, and not let hard times weaken them spiritually or mentally. He believes that no story is too small to tell and that words are the most effective method to change the mentality of nations. He believes that words are what can empower the youth and an empowered youth is the most precious gift we can give to this great nation.

Hassan has also been working with Daastan to revive the publishing industry of Pakistan and hopes to make a change for a better, more secure, and more equal Pakistan. He is also a firm believer in the power of youth and his message is: “Don`t lose faith in Pakistan, as it will rise with you, it will soar high with you and it will touch the sky with YOU!”