Renowned poets and writers participate in int’l Urdu literary festival hosted by BSI
A GALAXY of renowned Urdu poets and writers from different countries enthralled the audience at a two-day literary festival organised by Bazm-e-Sadaf International (BSI) in Doha.
On the first day, an international seminar and panel discussion was held on the topic ‘Urdu literature: A messenger across the global culture’.
The programme started with a welcome speech by Dr Nadeem Jilani, president of BSI. BSI Chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad, in his inaugural address, announced the names of the winners of BSI awards.
Shahabuddin Ahmad mentioned how BSI is bringing Urdu writers from all over the world together by arranging events and recognizing the writers who have made significant contributions to Urdu language and literature. He appreciated members of the BSI Doha chapter, especially Mohamed Sabahuddin, Mohammed Irfanullah, Rafat Jahan and Imran Asad.
Chief Patron of BSI Hassan Chougule presided over the award ceremony. In his presidential speech, he praised and congratulated the hard work of BSI members.
Prof Safdar Imam Quadri, director of BSI, who travelled from India for the programme, in his keynote address outlined how the Urdu language evolved through the amalgamation of cultures and how its literature is enriching the world’s civilization.
All international guests were felicitated by presenting them with shawls and mementoes. The BSI Award was presented to renowned poet from Canada Prof Shahida Hassan while BSI New Generation Award was given to academic and poet from Pakistan Dr Ambareen Salahuddin. A well-known poet from Abu Dhabi, Zahoorul Islam Javed, was presented with the BSI Sabih Bukhari Award for the Urdu Movement for 2022. This was given for his service for the promotion of the Urdu language and literature in UAE. Dr Mohammed Gauhar, chief editor of Taasir Urdu daily, came to attend the function as a guest of honour and was also felicitated by BSI.
The panellists who took part in the interactive discussion included: Dr Shakil Ur Rahman, Prof Shahida Hassan, Dr Amatul Mannan Tahir, Dr Ambareen Salahuddin, Masood Hassas, Hassan Kazmi, Khalid Irfan, Ahmad Ashfaq and Prof Safdar Imam Quadri. There were interesting discussions on controversial issues such as the use of Roman or Devnagri script to write Urdu to increase its reach and on whether scientific or medical books should be made available in Urdu.
An international poetry symposium (Mushaera) was held on January 27 in the auditorium of DPS at Al Wakra. Renowned poets from abroad and Doha entertained and enthralled the packed auditorium until midnight. It was presided over by Prof Shahida Hassan and conducted by Ahmad Ashfaque.
Others who participated in the poetry symposium included Raquim Azmi (Qatar), Shadab Azmi (India), Wasiul Haq Wasi (Qatar), Masood Hassas (Kuwait), Maqsood Anwar Maqsood (Qatar), Dr Nadeem Jilani Danish (Qatar), Ateeq Anzar (Qatar), Khalid Irfan (USA), Azm Shakiri (India), Ali Zariyoun (Pakistan), Hassan Kazmi (India), Prof Safdar Imam Quadri (India), Ambareen Salahuddin (Pakistan), Zahoorul Islam Javed (UAE).
The programme was well attended and the audience included dignitaries and heads of many literary and social organizations, who appreciated the high-class poetry and remained seated till the end. Prominent guests and dignitaries included the patron of BSI Prof Sophia Bukhari, Azim Abbas, Abdul Haque and Prof. SyedJawaid Zaidi, among many others.
BSI Doha chapter President Dr Nadeem Jilani presented the vote of thanks.