Writers’ Forum’s monthly meeting regales

It was at the residence of the Hindi poet Aamir Diwan that the Writers’ Forum met for its monthly meeting on October 28. One of its senior members Syed Qamar Minto was the Chief Guest on the occasion, whereas one of the relatively new entrants- Nazneen Ali presided over the evening’s meeting. In the absence of Umesh Sharma-the President of the Forum, the meeting was conducted by senior poet and literary critic-Maimuna Ali Chougle.

The first session comprised the story narration session, wherein Rajesh Verlekar read a short story in English, titled The Soft Hand of Maid Mafia. Two literary stalwarts of India were also fondly and respectfully remembered: Sahir Ludhianvi and Amrita PritamOctober being the month of passing away of the two legends. Senior members-Maimuna Ali Chougle and Sunil Sonsi reminisced about the powerful ways in which the two doyens of Urdu and Punjabi literature respectively, ruled the hearts and minds of millions.

The poets were invited to present their poetry in the second session. Dr Navniit Gandhi, Sunil Sonsi and Aamir Diwan recited in Hindi; Ibrahim Sangeraja, Kamaal Ansari, Ameeruddin Ameer, and Shabih Ahmed in Urdu, while Rajesh Verlekar recited in English.

The Chief Guest - Syed Qamar Minto shared his observations on the soul-stirring recitations of the evening, and also recited his own poem in Urdu. Nazneen Ali also expressed her deep appreciation of how the various poets, in their unique styles, regaled everyone with a brilliant weaving of words. She recited her own poem in Urdu. The hosts were profusely thanked and the members left enriched with yet another evening etched on their memories.