BAADENAUBAHAR CHALE...

Young poets of modern India will give a voice to their global language, at the first edition of JashneNauBahar in Delhi

Mention the word ‘mushaira’ and the first visual that crosses the mind is of a group of veteran poets reciting their compositions. Many are left wondering if the younger generation has deserted the traditional shayari languages — Hindi, Urdu, Hindustanti? Wonder no more! To give a platform to the young crop of talented poets, the first edition of Jashn-e-NauBahar is being organised in Delhi. The event will also mark 20 years of the annual mushaira, Jashn-e-Bahar.

The list of participants is quite impressive, and includes young poets such as Mudita Rastogi (Delhi) and Atirah Tahoor (Srinagar). There will also be Bollywood lyricist Hussain Haidry (Mumbai) — whose video of him reciting his poem Hindustani Musalmaan at an event went viral on social media. “The concept of this event is very good. I have been part of Jashne-e-Bahar with senior poets, but this is the first time that I’ll be reciting in the presence of people in the 25 to 35 age group,” says Haidry, who has written songs for films such as Mukkabaaz (2017), Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017), and Gurgaon (2017). The event is being organised in collaboration with Hindi Academy and Urdu Academy, Delhi.

Kamna Prasad, founder, Jashn-e-Bahar Trust, says, “The youth of today thinks globally, and speaks a mix of different languages. Their expressions are also in a mixed language. There’s hope in their poetry, which is beautiful; we have to relate to that to remain relevant. I realised that it’s important to connect with young poets and the way they express themselves. The motto of the event remains to promote and preserve India’s composite culture.” The nazim (conductor) for the evening, Saif Mahmood, is a 43-yearold Supreme Court advocate, who often writes and speaks for Urdu language. He feels that the “metaphor” used by the young poets is very different. “Traditional connoisseurs of poetry might not even consider this as poetry; but it’s essential to incorporate it because not only their views but also the contours of their art need a platform. I will also talk in my introduction about why we must have this mushaira… People want to be heard; they don’t want to hear. That’s the problem with our generation! Unless you have read the classics of literature, you cannot have anyone writing with the correct perspective,” says Mahmood.

The youth of today thinks globally, and speaks a mix of different languages. Their expressions are also in a mixed language... It’s important to establish connect with young poets and the way they express themselves. KAMNA PRASAD FOUNDER, JASHNEBAHAR TRUST

The concept of this event is very good. These are young voices, and are getting to recite in their language... which connects with the public. HUSSAIN HAIDRY LYRICISTPOET

I will talk in my introduction about why we must have this mushaira… People want to be heard; they don’t want to hear. That’s the problem with our generation! SAIF MAHMOOD NAZIM AT THE EVENT

HT PHOTO PICTURE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY

Delhibased poet Mudita Rastogi will be participating in the event