Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar Launches Poetry Book with a Poetry Symposium

English , Literature - جہانِ ادب , Snippets , / Monday, December 30th, 2024

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Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, the oldest and most prestigious literary organisation in Qatar, continues its tradition of fostering Urdu literature with a special event held recently at Khayal Khaima, a venue dedicated to literary activities by Bazm’s president Mohammed Shad Akolvi. Established in 1959, Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar organised an evening to launch the poetry book of visiting poet Syed Khalid Mohsin from Malaysia, coupled with a poetry symposium that showcased the richness of Urdu poetry.

The event was presided over by Dr Faisal Hanif, Bazm’s chairman and a noted writer and literary connoisseur. Syed Khalid Mohsin, the visiting poet and development worker currently based in Nepal, was the guest of honour. Bazm’s member Waseem Ahmed and Pakistan Arts Society’s general secretary Adeel Akbar graced the event as the chief guests. The proceedings were conducted by Bazm’s president, Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi, who also hosted the event.

The evening began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Shad Akolvi, followed by a warm welcome address by Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, the joint secretary of Bazm. Kamal took the opportunity to highlight the organisation’s six-decade-long contributions to promoting Urdu literature in Qatar.

Jamshed Ansari, a long-time member of Bazm and a poet, introduced Syed Khalid Mohsin to the audience. Ansari shared insights into Mohsin’s remarkable contributions to Urdu literature, particularly in Nepal, where Mohsin has been actively promoting the language and writing as a columnist for a local Urdu newspaper.

The first segment of the programme was dedicated to the launch of Syed Khalid Mohsin’s poetry book, which is a compilation of Urdu ghazals. The ghazal, a classical poetic form in Urdu literature, is celebrated for its unique structure, where each couplet stands as an independent expression of thought. Mohsin’s work pays homage to this rich tradition, following the legacy of legendary poets like Mir, Aatish, and Ghalib.

A development professional associated with HHRD-USA, Mohsin currently serves as Regional Director for ASEAN and resides in Nepal. His dual roles as a poet and columnist reflect his deep commitment to the Urdu language and its literary heritage.

Following the book launch, the event transitioned into a poetry symposium. The symposium featured local poets, including Azfar Gardaizi, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Jamshed Ansari, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azemi, and Shad Akolvi, alongside the guest poet Syed Khalid Mohsin. Each poet recited their selected poetry, captivating the audience. The room resonated with applause as the audience appreciated the depth of emotions and vivid imagery conveyed through their verses.

Towards the end of the programme, Syed Khalid Mohsin shared his thoughts, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and praising Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar for its relentless efforts in promoting Urdu literature in the region.

In his presidential address, Dr Faisal Hanif underscored Bazm’s unique role as a literary workshop that has nurtured generations of writers, poets, and critics. He highlighted the organisation’s legacy of teaching Urdu prose and poetry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language and its cultural significance.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Irshad Ahmed, Bazm’s media secretary and treasurer, who expressed thanks to all attendees, participants, and organisers for making the evening a resounding success.