Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to one of the greatest modern Urdu language writers, Bano Qudsia. Affectionately known as Bano Aapa, her work as a novelist and playwright earned her great acclaim.
Her most famous pieces of work are the novel ‘Raja Gidh’ (The Vulture King) and the Urdu classic play ‘Aadhi Baat’ (Half Talk/Half Said). She was a prolific writer and wrote 25 novels. She also founded her own magazine called ‘Dastango’. Google stated, “Today’s Doodle honors the life and legacy of Pakistani novelist and stage and television playwright Bano Qudsia, affectionately known as Bano Aapa (Elder Sister), who is widely credited as one of the most significant Urdu language authors in modern times. Renowned for her message of love and hope.”.
Bano Qudsia was born in November 28, 1928, in Firozpur, British India. She always had a passion for writing evidenced by the fact that she started writing short stories as a child. She moved to Lahore during the partition. And, earned a Masters degree in Urdu from the Government College University (GCU), where she also met her husband and fellow writer Ashfaq Ahmad. The literary giant’s influence on Pakistani literature was significant and helped shaped the field. Google honoured her work in the field, stating, “Even as her legend grew throughout her six-decade career, she maintained a reputation for her radical acceptance and kindness, known to embrace those from all walks of life who approached her for mentorship or assistance.”. Bano Qudsia was awarded two of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1983 and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2000. After a long and fruitful career she passed away in February of 2017. Pakistani literature owes her a great debt for her seminal work in the field.