Department of Arabic, JMI, holds an extension lecture on “My Journey of Creative Writing” by Prof. Aleem, A. M. Khwaja Chair
The Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), organised an extension lecture on the topic “My Journey of Creative Writing” on 18th September 2026 at the Dr Abdul Halim Library, Department of Arabic. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem, A.M. Khwaja Chair Professor, Department of History, JMI.
The program started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Professor Nasim Akhter, coordinator of the event, conducted the programme. He introduced the distinguished speaker and highlighted the significance of the topic. The programme was presided over by Prof. Fauzan Ahmad, Head, Department of Arabic.
Prof. Dr Mohammad Aleem delivered his lecture on the topic, ‘My Journey of Creative Writing’, in which he shared his personal experiences with creative writing. He observed that creative writing often begins in an unplanned way. He explained that his own creative writing potential was discovered unexpectedly and came as a pleasant surprise.
He noted that when such an unexpected discovery becomes the driving force behind a creator’s interests, it begins to shape their entire life – as it did in his case, leading him to leave all else behind. Recalling his past he said: “My parents wanted me to become a doctor, but I ran away and came to Jamia to pursue my journey to creative writing.”
Prof. Dr. Mohammad Aleem also spoke about his diverse body of literary works and creative experiments across various genres—including drama, novels, and screenplays—which have earned widespread acclaim from readers and audiences alike. Among his prominent works, he highlighted his plays “Aadmakhor” and “Rabia”, as well as his novels “Jo Amma Mili to Kahan Mili”, “Mere Nalon Ki Gumshuda Awaaz”, and “Ek Musafir Ki Kahani”. Additionally, he informed the audience about his forthcoming novel, “Rida-e-Haram”, based on the life of Hazrat Aisha (RA), alongside another upcoming novel on the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
In his presidential address Prof. Fauzan Ahmad Head department of Arabic, emphasized the significance of lecture and the inspiration that students could draw from it. He encourage them to follow the path of creative writing, stressing the value of extensive reading –particularly the biographies. He noted that biographies offer valuable insights into how successful creative figures developed their talents, navigated life full of challenges, and achieved their goals. The program was concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Prof Nasim Akhtar. The program was attended by all faculty members, research scholars and students of the Department of Arabic, along with some faculty members and students from the Departments of Urdu and Hindi.
