Karachi: In the summer of 2025, Habib University launched an innovative course titled “Manto Naama,” designed to reintroduce students to the provocative and enduring works of Saadat Hasan Manto. This course, led by Inamullah Nadeem, aimed to delve into complex themes of ethics, identity, trauma, and resistance, mirroring the social challenges prevalent in today’s society.

Unlike traditional literature courses, “Manto Naama” was a deeply personal and academically rigorous exploration of Manto’s life and work. The course sought to connect students not just to Manto’s historical context, but to his contemporary relevance, examining his unflinching portrayal of societal issues such as gendered violence and national identity.

Central to the course were fundamental questions about the nature of literature and truth. Through detailed readings of Manto’s stories like “Toba Tek Singh” and “Thanda Gosht,” students engaged in critical discussions, exploring the intersections of literature with themes of censorship, madness, and marginality.

In a memorable classroom moment, a discussion on “Toba Tek Singh” ignited a debate on the madness inherent in the logic of borders, illustrating the course’s aim to provoke reflective questioning. Similarly, Manto’s essay “Main Afsana Kyun Likhta Hoon” inspired students to challenge societal norms and engage with the material through creative expression.

The course culminated in a conference-style presentation where students showcased research papers on varied aspects of Manto’s work, highlighting the course’s emphasis on critical thinking and personal engagement. Topics ranged from the aesthetics of disgust to critiques of nationalist masculinity, illustrating Manto’s wide-ranging impact.

At a time when critical discourse faces increasing challenges, “Manto Naama” stands out as a beacon of intellectual inquiry at Habib University. It not only aligns with the university’s Liberal Core values but also fosters a community of young thinkers equipped to navigate an ever-changing world.

For Inamullah Nadeem, the course underscored literature’s transformative power, offering a platform for dialogue that transcends time and geography. Under Nadeem’s guidance, “Manto Naama” continues to inspire students to engage deeply with literature and its potential to illuminate the human condition.