Humourous writing, poetry carry healing powers for sick minds: Experts

Islamabad: As mental health challenges escalate among both patients and healthcare providers, academicians, writers, and poets have are called for the promotion of humorous writing and poetry as effective tools for enhancing overall mental well-being.

They highlighted that around 40 to 50 percent of healthcare providers in Pakistan, including doctors, are grappling with high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression due to long working hours, work pressures, and economic and workplace insecurity.

Experts suggested that engaging in literary activities, particularly those involving humor, could offer significant relief and alleviate these mental health struggles.

According to them, writings of great humorists like Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi offer ‘peace of mind’ and much-needed relaxation to overburdened physicians and surgeons who work long hours, including on holidays. Moreover, humorous writings and poetry can serve as an effective remedy for the stressed minds of patients, they added.

They were speaking at launching of a book, titled “Qisa Aik Sadi Ka – Ehd-e-Yousufi,” featuring selected excerpts from the works of renowned humorist and writer Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi. It was published by the Jahan-e-Masiha Adbi Forum (JMAF), a literary forum supported by the local pharmaceutical company Pharmevo.

A significant number of senior doctors and physicians, along with their families, attended the book launch. The event was also addressed by prominent poet and writer Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javeid, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters Dr. Najeeba Ahmed, and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmevo Syed Jamshed Ahmed.

In his remarks, Dr. Anis Ahmed highlighted the potential of literary works to bridge the emotional and ethical gap between healthcare providers and patients. “Reading literature and poetry enriches the human experience and can significantly enhance the way physicians interact with their patients,” he said.

Declaring Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi as a reformist of his time, Prof. Anis said his prose conveyed the same message which was narrated by several reformist poets of his time. He added that Yousufi had a deep understanding of the country’s political and economic issues, which he addressed in his writings.

Paying tribute to Pharmevo for patronizing art, poetry, and literature and promoting ethical values through its activities, Prof. Anis Ahmed hoped that the healthcare fraternity would come up with economical solutions for the health issues facing the poor segments of Pakistani society.

Syed Jamshed Ahmed, CEO of Pharmevo, reiterated his company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote ethical medical practices and the overall well-being of society. He praised the work of Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi and its relevance in today’s healthcare landscape, where empathy and ethical behavior are crucial.

According to him, Pharmevo strives for a healthier society by promoting arts and literature through Mushairas, book fairs, and the publication of books. Over the last 25 years, they have published over 50 books and created 25 thematic calendars, each a piece of art and literature.

Renowned poet and former Managing Director of the National Book Foundation (NBF) Dr. Inam-ul-Haq Javeid paid rich tribute to Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, saying he was one of the greatest Urdu writers and humorists of all time, creating literature that will remain alive for centuries to come.

“Humor is high seriousness, and this is reflected in the work and humor written by Yousufi sahib. Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi was not just a writer; he was a maestro who turned everyday observations into brilliant humor. His writing is marked by extraordinary wit and a keen sense of irony that transcends the boundaries of time and culture,” he said.

Dr. Najeeba Ahmed praised Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi for his exceptional contributions to Urdu literature, especially in the genres of humor and satire. She highlighted Yousufi’s unique ability to blend humor with profound observations on human nature and society, making his work both entertaining and thought-provoking. She added that his writings offer valuable lessons in empathy and understanding, crucial for professionals in all fields, including healthcare.