LAHORE — In a city that has long been a cradle of Urdu literary tradition, a grand and deeply moving ceremony was held to celebrate the publication of Masihi Hamd-o-Sana Ke Geet — a collection of Christian hymns and praise songs that stands as both a spiritual offering and a literary landmark. Organised jointly by SR Production and Shehr-e-Adab, the event at the elegant hall of Flatties Express drew a distinguished gathering from literary, religious, cultural, and social circles across Pakistan.

The book, authored by Semi Ramneet — a poet of devotion whose words have long nourished the Christian community — was received not merely as a literary achievement, but as a testament to the enduring power of faith expressed through song. From the opening words of welcome to the final musical performance, the evening was a reminder that sacred music transcends boundaries and speaks to the deepest corners of the human heart.

Distinguished Guests & Presiding Chair

The ceremony was presided over by Nazir Qaiser, a towering figure in Pakistani literary circles and recipient of the prestigious Pride of Performance award — one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours for contributions to arts and culture. His presence lent the occasion both gravitas and warmth.

Among the honoured chief guests were Dr. Anil Samuel, Pastor Sabir Gill, Father Almas John, Dr. Nosheen Khan, Shehnaz Haroon (joining from the United States), and National Gold Medalist Abida Qaiser — a roster that reflected the breadth of communities united by their appreciation for faith-inspired literature.

Voices of the Evening: Speakers & Tributes

A distinguished panel of speakers addressed the audience, each bringing a unique perspective on the book’s significance for Christian devotional literature and Pakistan’s broader interfaith cultural landscape.

In his welcome address, Anil Lawrence, Managing Director of SR Production, expressed gratitude to each guest and speaker, acknowledging the collective effort that brought the evening to life and affirming SR Production’s ongoing commitment to literary and cultural initiatives that serve Pakistan’s Christian community.

The Author Speaks: A Voice from Across the Ocean

Though unable to attend in person, author Semi Ramneet joined the ceremony online from the United States, his presence felt warmly by everyone in the hall. In heartfelt remarks, he expressed profound gratitude to the organizers, guests, and all who had supported the book’s journey to publication. He spoke movingly about the role of Christian hymns in strengthening faith, building community, and preserving a spiritual heritage that belongs not just to one generation but to all who will come after.

Adding a further tribute to the evening, Vincent Pace from Faisalabad also joined online and honoured Semi Ramneet through a specially composed poem — a gesture that drew warm applause from the audience and underscored the deep affection the literary community holds for the author and his work.

A Musical Tribute: When Words Became Song

The second half of the programme elevated the evening from literary ceremony to something altogether more transcendent. In a live musical tribute, renowned performers took to the stage to bring Semi Ramneet’s hymns and praise songs to life — accompanied by live instrumentation that filled the hall with melody and devotion.

Among the performers who graced the stage:

A particularly touching moment came when a young daughter among Saba Anil’s children performed one of Semi Ramneet’s most beloved songs in a melodious voice that silenced the hall — and then filled it with warm, sustained applause. It was one of those rare moments at a literary event when art and innocence converge, and the audience is reminded of why sacred music matters: it endures, generation to generation, carried forward on the voices of the young.

Photo Gallery

Event Photography

A Milestone for Christian Devotional Literature in Pakistan

The event concluded on a jubilant note, celebrating not only a single author’s achievement but the vitality of an entire tradition. Christian devotional poetry and hymnody in Urdu has a deep and often overlooked history in Pakistan — a heritage of faith expressed in the language of the land, sung in churches, homes, and community gatherings for generations.

Masihi Hamd-o-Sana Ke Geet adds a distinguished new voice to that tradition. In honouring Semi Ramneet’s work, the evening also honoured every believer who has ever found comfort, courage, or communion in a hymn.