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Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), the oldest literary organisation in Qatar, organised a grand International Mushaira last Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Doha, to celebrate the life and genius of the legendary Urdu and Persian classical poet Mirza Asadullah Ghalib. Established in 1959, BUQ has played an instrumental role for decades in promoting the Urdu language and its literary traditions in Qatar and beyond.
The event was organised around the theme of Mirza Ghalib and comprised two major segments: a recitation of classical poetry from the nineteenth century focusing on the works of Mirza Ghalib and Momin Khan Momin followed by a grand poetry symposium. The programme attracted a large gathering of poetry enthusiasts. Of the 19 participating poets, 11 travelled from overseas, representing Pakistan, India, the UAE, KSA, and the USA, while the remaining poets were based in Qatar.
The Mushaira was presided over by Shair-e-Khaleej and Fakharul Mutaghazaleen Jaleel Nizami. The distinguished gathering was further honoured by the presence of celebrated poet Wasi Shah, prominent Indian poet Rajesh Reddy, and noted poet and scholar Akhtar Usman as chief guests.
Renowned poets Adnan Baig and Prof Dr Shahbaz Nayyar from Pakistan, Ms Humaira Gul Tashna from the USA, Dr Mohib Wafa from India, Shahbaz Shamsi from the UAE, and Hassan Arefi from KSA graced the stage as guests of honour.
The evening commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Abdul Malik Falahi, followed by a safety briefing delivered by Irshad Ahmed, BUQ’s treasurer and Mushaira Coordinator. The formal opening of the literary evening was marked by a soulful Naat presented by Jaleel Nizami.
Mohammed Rafiq Shad Akolvi, President of BUQ, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the organisation’s long-standing contributions to Urdu literature and its role as a literary workshop that has nurtured poets and writers in Qatar and abroad for several decades.
To honour the theme of Mirza Ghalib and celebrate his literary genius, the first segment of the programme featured recitations of classical poetry, offering the audience a taste of the richness of the classical era. Shahbaz Shamsi, with his melodious voice, presented well-known ghazals of Ghalib and Momin, leaving the audience mesmerised.
With the formal Mushaira underway, BUQ Chairman and noted literary critic and writer Dr Faisal Hanif took on the role of master of the ceremony. Conducting the proceedings in his distinctive style, he quoted several of Ghalib’s couplets throughout the programme, delighting the audience and highlighting the poet’s remarkable fusion of words, imagery, and imagination.
Sanwal Abbasi, Mushaira Coordinator and poet, introduced the guest poets, offering insights into their literary journeys and contributions to Urdu poetry.
The poetry symposium featured 19 poets, including Azfar Gardaizi, Mushfiq Raza Naqvi, Shahzeb Shahab, Syed Fayaz Bukhari Kamal Shahmeeri, Jamshed Ansari, Dr Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi, Wazir Ahmed Wazir, Iftekhar Raghib, Mohammed Rafiq Shad Akolvi, Shahbaz Shamsi, Hassan Arefi, Dr Mohib Wafa, Dr Shahbaz Nayyar, Ms Humaira Gul Tashna, Adnan Baig, Wasi Shah, Akhtar Usman, Rajesh Reddy, and Jaleel Nizami.
Each poet presented their finest work, captivating the audience, which responded with continuous applause and enthusiastic appreciation.
Akhtar Usman, a renowned Pakistani poet, was highly praised for his impactful, emotionally rich recitation at the Mushaira. His thoughtful poetry and graceful delivery deeply resonated with the audience, making his presentation a memorable highlight of the event.
Wasi Shah, the celebrated poet from Pakistan, emerged as a major attraction of the evening. Over the past two and a half decades, he has established himself as a leading poet of romance and has remained at the forefront of Pakistani literature through Mushairas, writings, and media engagements.
Rajesh Reddy, a senior poet from India, impressed the audience with his unique diction and engaging style, receiving warm and sustained applause.
Shair-e-Khaleej Jaleel Nizami, known for his classical diction and melodious presentation, enthralled the audience with his ghazals, delivered in his signature style.
The programme concluded with the presentation of mementos to the poets and members of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar. A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Feroz Khan, Vice President of BUQ.
Mushaira Coordinators Irshad Ahmed and Sanwal Abbasi played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the event. The organising committee, comprising Dr Faisal Hanif, Rafiq Shad Akolvi, Iftekhar Raghib, Syed Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, and Azfar Gardaizi, managed administration and logistics with dedication. BUQ members and patrons, including Firoz Khan, Shamsuddin Shaikh, Dr Wasi-ul-Haq, Jamshed Ansari, Shahzeb Shahab, Wazir Ahmed, Waseem Ahmed, and Afsar Asemi, provided immense support, contributing to the resounding success of the Mushaira, which was attended by several hundred poetry lovers.