ABOUT

The Ardeshir Cowasjee Centre for Writing, situated on the IBA campus, serves as a dedicated space for students and professors to address various writing-related issues. When you step into our center, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with our team of skilled consultants who are ready to assist you in refining your drafts, providing constructive feedback, and helping you develop your ideas.

At the ACCW, we encourage authors to take ownership of their work. We offer valuable tools and guidance to help you evaluate your writing and identify areas for improvement. Our experienced consultants are equipped to enhance your writing, whether you have an initial draft needing refinement or require an expert assessment of the persuasiveness of your research paper.

Who was Ardeshir Cowasjee?

Ardeshir Cowasjee (13 April 1926-24 November 2012) was a distinguished Pakistani newspaper columnist, activist, philanthropist and public intellectual. Born in Karachi, his news columns regularly featured in Dawn, one of the nation's oldest newspapers. Cowasjee demonstrated a lifelong commitment to social justice, driven by his innate ethical sensibility and unwavering conviction in Jinnah's original vision for Pakistan. His weekly columns in Dawn were penned as an act of rebellion against the corruption, nepotism, intolerance and greed plaguing the nation's prosperity. His articles were hard hitting, well-researched and honest, characterized by a sense of forthrightness and bravery, evident in other spheres of his life as well. He may be considered the epitome of a model citizen in light of his courage in the face of physical threats, his generosity with his time and advice, and his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for the disadvantaged. We are proud to dedicate this Centre for Writing at IBA in his name.’

History

The Ardeshir Cowasjee Centre for Writing was established at IBA in 2015, paying tribute to the eminent Pakistani philanthropist and renowned newspaper columnist Ardeshir Cowasjee. It was the pioneering center of its kind in Pakistan, established to foster a deeper understanding of what constitutes effective writing. We believe everyone has a story to tell and thoughts to express, and we encourage individuals to utilize writing as a means of self-expression, enhancing their awareness of the writing process and acquiring the skills to craft well-structured essays.

Over the years, the Writing Centre has hosted many literary events, promoting literary engagement and encouraging individuals to explore themes within the realm of literary arts and their own creative writing. From dramatic reading sessions to poetry slams, our history is rich with events that have showcased the remarkable talents of many within the IBA community.

During each summer semester, the Writing Centre conducts reinforcement sessions for students participating in IBA's National Talent Hunt Program, which brings underprivileged students from across Pakistan to IBA. These students receive guidance and feedback on their language skills in preparation for the IBA Entrance Test.

The Centre has been home to numerous consultants who have significantly contributed to the growth of many students' writing skills. It serves as a mutual learning platform for both consultants and students.

Mission

At the Ardeshir Cowasjee Centre for Writing, our mission is to encourage students to engage in metacognition, allowing them to think critically and translate their ideas into written form. We aim to improve their written expression, fostering not only better writers but also better thinkers.

We welcome walk-in consultations at any time, and you can also schedule an appointment by emailing us at wcentre@iba.edu.pk. We understand that each individual has specific concerns about their writing, and a one-size-fits-all writing course may not address them all. Our consultants provide personalized feedback, helping you articulate your thoughts precisely as you intend.

Whether you need assistance with brainstorming, organizing your paper, addressing grammatical issues, enhancing clarity, or strengthening persuasiveness, our consultants guide you. We don't merely offer proofreading or editing services; we empower you to enhance your writing by understanding your thought process and expressing yourself more effectively.

Our services are not limited to students; faculty members are also welcome to seek advice on professional and academic writing. Additionally, the Writing Centre regularly organizes workshops, dramatic reading sessions, and other activities to promote literary engagement within the IBA community.