“I opened my life as it was growing up in the aftermath of the bloodbath of partition and overcoming it” Syeda Saiyidain Hameed on her book ‘A Drop in the Ocean’

In the large pool of people who wish to make a change, few names emerge as those who actually made a difference in everyday life as we know it. And overtime, their life becomes so influential and motivating, that penning it down in words helps generations, but it still remains incomplete.
And one such personality is Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, a social activist, writer, and educationist, who dedicated her life to promoting women's rights, social justice, and education. Hameed served as a member of the Planning Commission of India and chaired the National Commission for Women's Working Group on Women's Empowerment. We recently caught up for a conversation with the author at the launch of her latest book ‘A Drop in the Ocean’, published by Speaking Tiger, here’s what she had to say.

Q. You were involved in writing about literature and films for quite some time. In your opinion, how has Urdu literature progressed in the past couple years?
Urdu has a life of its own. Despite the onslaught by diehards it creeps through crevices of the heart and mind. Who can resist this line of Ghalib ‘Muddat hui hai yaar ko mehmaan kiye huey’. And in between it all, Rekhta is an excellent milestone.
Q. Being a part of many social issue events and activism, how do you feel the connection with people has influenced you and your writing?
2. It's my connection with social issues that has been the lodestar of my writings. Sajoni Kisku in Jamtara, Maimun in Mewat, the list is long.
Q. You also co-authored a book with Kushwant Singh and talked a lot about him; how was he as a human aside from what his readers saw?
3. Khushwant Singh was my guide, friend and philosopher. Emotionally we co-authored many books. Physically only one, ‘A Dream Turns 75’. He persuaded, cajoled, and scolded me to continue my writing. He insisted I be paid for my work, this is your ‘rozi roti’ he said. I rang his doorbell for 40 years. Still, I do only he does not answer.
Q. Your latest book ‘A Drop in the Ocean’ is almost like a memoir and you have mentioned the minutest and most intimate details inside. What do you wish to share with the readers through the work?
4. A Drop in the Ocean is a memoir. At this juncture in my life when I am at the brink of mingling with the Ocean, this recounting of my life post-1947 is a message for the youth that a better world is possible. I opened my life as it was growing up in the aftermath of the bloodbath of partition and overcoming it with help from the most unexpected quarters. The trajectory of a well-rounded, fulfilled life was an outcome of the best school and University environment, thus equipped. I went to alien climes where there were many trails and pitfalls. A new chapter opened with the homecoming from Canada to India.
Q. In your opinion, how well does literature help eliminate the gaps and bridges between communities and people?
5. Literature is the key to bridging the gap between community and people. At present, I am working on a book in collaboration with Speaking Tiger which contains 100 poems written by Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians in praise of the Prophet of Islam. One example is this couplet by Kunvar Mahendra Singh Bedi Sahr - ‘Ishq ho jaye kisi se koi chara to nahi, sirf Muslim ka Mohammad pe Ijara to nahi!!’
Q. What advice would you like to give to young authors and readers?
6. To my young authors and readers, I say ‘Dil na Umeed to nahi, na kaam he to hai, lambi hai gam ki shaam par shaam he to hai..’. So, don't lose hope, don't give up, and keep your spirits soaring.