Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), the oldest literary organization in Qatar, commemorated World Urdu Day with an elegant literary program at Mazza, Qatar, last Friday. Established in 1959, BUQ has played a crucial role in promoting the Urdu language and literature in the region. The event included three key segments: a book launch, a seminar on Urdu prose, and a poetry symposium, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of literature lovers.

The program was presided over by BUQ’s General Secretary, poet, and writer Iftekhar Raghib. Renowned Pakistani editor and writer Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, the Chief Guest of the evening, was introduced by Adeel Akbar, General Secretary of the Pakistan Arts Society. BUQ members Dr. Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi and Jamshed Ansari were also present as guests of honor. The event was hosted by BUQ President Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi, whose distinctive style guided the program.

The evening opened with a Quran recitation by Akolvi, followed by a warm welcome from Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, BUQ’s Joint Secretary, who highlighted the organization’s longstanding contribution to Urdu literature. Adeel Akbar then introduced the Chief Guest, Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, underscoring his decades of literary achievements and contributions to Urdu publishing.

The first segment of the program featured a series of essays. Haroon-ur-Rasheed Qureshi, Chief Editor of Rahbar Kisan International, began with an insightful account of the life of Syed Abdul Hye, BUQ’s senior patron. He detailed Hye’s migration to Qatar 65 years ago and his pivotal role in promoting Urdu literature and culture in the region. The audience warmly applauded the rich historical perspective shared by Qureshi.

Following this, Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi presented a comprehensive essay on the evolution of Urdu language and literature. His scholarly piece explored the contributions of notable poets and writers, offering the audience a deeper understanding of Urdu’s literary journey. The prose session concluded with a lighter, humorous sketch of poet Wazir Ahmed Wazir by BUQ Chairman Dr. Faisal Hanif, which sparked laughter and applause from the audience.

The second segment featured the launch of Syed Mohammed Yaqoub’s latest book, a travelogue about the United States. Yaqoub formally presented the book to BUQ Chairman Dr. Faisal Hanif, who expressed his appreciation for the book’s contribution to Urdu literature.

The program’s final segment was a poetry symposium, which featured 17 poets, including Azhar Azmi, Suhail Ahmed Wafa, Sobia Khan, Azfar Gardaizi, Shahzeb Shahab, Samreen Nadeem Samar, Prof. Dr. Shama Parveen, Anwar Ali Rana, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Jamshed Ansari, Dr. Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi, Wazir Ahmed Wazir, Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azmi, Iftekhar Raghib, and Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi. Each poet recited their work, captivating the audience with their eloquence and expression. The audience responded enthusiastically, offering continuous applause.

The session concluded with reflections by Iftekhar Raghib, Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, Dr. Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi, and Jamshed Ansari. They praised the high quality of both the prose and poetry segments, acknowledging BUQ’s consistent efforts to nurture Urdu literature in Qatar over the past six decades. They lauded the organization for its significant role as a platform for literary growth.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Irshad Ahmed, BUQ’s Media Secretary and Treasurer, marking the end of a successful celebration of Urdu’s rich literary heritage.