A Critical & Analytical Study of Younas Javed’s autobiography “Sirf Aik Aansoo”

Abstract

This research article studies Sirf Aik Aansoo, the autobiography of Younas Javed, as an important reflection of personal pain and social problems in Pakistani society. The autobiography is not only the story of the writer’s life but also a picture of the difficulties faced by common people after Partition. Through his memories, Younas Javed describes childhood struggles, harsh experiences in madrassas, educational hardships, office corruption, literary politics, and social injustice. The study explains how the title Sirf Aik Aansoo (“Only a Tear”) represents silent suffering, helplessness, and emotional pain. The article also discusses the writer’s simple but powerful style, realistic narration, and honest expression of truth. Different events in the autobiography reveal the cruelty of institutions, unfair treatment in society, and the problems faced by talented individuals in educational and literary circles. Using a critical approach, this research highlights the social, psychological, and literary aspects of the autobiography. It shows how Younas Javed connects his personal experiences with larger social realities. “Only one tear” stands as an authentic document depicting parallel circumstances and events of Younas Javed and Majlis –e Taraqi Adab Lahore. The autobiography presents the moral decline, corruption, and changing values of society in a very effective way. The research concludes that Sirf Aik Aansoo is an important work in modern Urdu autobiographical literature because it combines personal experiences with social criticism and presents the truth of society in a touching and realistic manner.

References:

1. Yunus Javaid, Sirf Ek Aansu, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 2021, p7.
2. Yunus Javaid, Sirf Ek Aansu, p. 8
3. Ibid, p. 12
4. Ibid, p. 14
5. Ibid, p. 16
6. Ibid, p. 17
7. Maqala Nigar ka Yunus Javaid se interview, bamaqam: 903, Z-Block, Phase 3, DHA, Lahore, batareekh: 30 December 2025
8. Yunus Javaid, Sirf Ek Aansu, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 2021, p.26
9. Ibid, p. 28
10. Ibid, p. 32
11. Ibid, p. 28
12. Ibid, p. 39
13. Ibid, p. 40
14. Ibid, p. 45
15. Ibid, p. 48
16. Aamir Sohail, Syed, "Yunus Javaid se Rasmi aur Ghair Rasmi Guftagu," mishmula: Angarey, Multan: Aatika Printing Press, August 2005, p. 18
17. Yunus Javaid, Sirf Ek Aansu, p. 52
18. Ibid, pp. 63, 64
19. Ibid, p. 73
20. Ibid, p. 77
21. Ibid, p. 78
22. Ibid, p. 89
23. Ibid, p. 90
24. Aamir Sohail, Syed, "Yunus Javaid se Rasmi aur Ghair Rasmi Guftagu," mishmula: Angarey, p. 20
25. Yunus Javaid, Sirf Ek Aansu, p. 124
26. Ibid, p. 139
27. Ibid, p. 140