THE CLASS MAGAZINE LISTEN
By Naveed Yazdani

It was October 1979, immediately after the Mangla trip when I, Saroosh Hamid, Salman Munir, the two Saeeds, Imran Afzal and Fouzia Shoukat took out LISTEN. We used to sit for hours in a cramped printing press in Old Anarkali opposite Kapoor Thala Building, busy in proofreading, negotiating rates and having brain storming sessions regarding the articles and contributions. The magazine was a hit but that is not what I want to share. My memories are around the deep trouble, which the magazine could have caused to us.

In fact one article 'Sixty Minutes in Physiology Theatre' written by Nasir Javed (181) almost imposed a DC on us. Physiology department (especially Shahid Nadeem) and Union (Jamiat) found it very offensive and they infuriated Madam Nusrat Waqar against us. We had some extremely anxious moments before the diplomatic skills of Sohail Kiyani rescued us.

Another memory intertwined with LISTEN is that of Saroosh Hamid. What an individual! He was real daredevil and if challenged would do anything (including jumping off a running train). He had what is called guts. I was very close with him for about a year. Along with his memory, a song (Atee Raheen Gi Bahreen) is etched in mind. He used to love it. I am very careful by nature and the most adventurous part of my life is that period which I spent with Saroosh. He had many rare qualities. He could do anything for friends without considering whether it was day or night or cold or rain. He was like that. Sudden and sad demise of his dad changed him and I think the added responsibilities sobered him to a great degree.

I have had no contact with him for over quarter of a century. If come across these lines, do contact me Saroosh.