LAHORE: A reference was held for novelist Abdullah Hussein by the Lahore Arts Council at Adabi Baithak, The Mall, on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, poet and playwright Amjad Islam Amjad said Abdullah Hussein`s personality was towering as a novelist, however, in his personal life he was a simple person and sometimes it felt as if he had the innocence of a child.

Writer Masood Ashar said Hussein adored the modern tech-nology and contemporary trends of life that`s why he was kind of a Facebook freak and used to write messages often on the social networking site for his friends and fans.

Poet Bushra Ejaz shared her memories of Hussein, saying he was very kind to her. He used to discuss with her different aspects of life, people in general and their behaviours, she said, adding that Hussein once told her that he missed his mother a lot despite reaching such a ripe age.

Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture Director SughraSadaf said that to her the novels by Hussein were a depiction of the particular social fabric he belonged to.

Sofia Baidar from the Punjab Council of Arts shared her memories of trip to India with Abdullah Hussein. She said that at Indian city of Kurukshetra, Hussain did Bhangra with Sikhs to the beat of Dhol and she cherished those memories.

Lahore Arts Council Board of Governors Chairman Attaul Haq Qasmi said though Hussein did not like to come into limelight and attend functions but he was kindenough that whenever the art council invited him he came and gave his input for the betterment of literary conferences. He revealed that though Hussein a Punjabi but could spoke Pashto very well.

Writer Ghafer Shahzad threw light on Hussein`s magnum opus, Udas Naslain.

Earlier, Lahore Arts Council Executive Director retired Captain Atta Muhammad Khan, in his welcome address, said the arts council had played a pivotal role in reducing the distance between the famous novelist and his fans.