By Mir Mohsin Ali

RIYADH — Ten Poets from different parts of India enthralled the audience here at the Indian Embassy-organized Mushaira (Urdu poetry session). The event was held to mark the occasion of Indian Republic day. It was held in Riyadh, Jubail, and Dammam.

Poets Abrar Kashif, Nadeem Shad and Naeem Fraz stole the Mushaira as audience repeatedly applauded then while being asked for encores of several couplets that struck a chord with the audience. Many of the couplets were metaphorically unique.

In Riyadh, Mushaira was organized at the auditorium of International Indian School Riyadh which was jam packed with over 1,000 poetry lovers in attendance despite the chilly weather.

The poets presented variety of fare that was in tune with what the audience wanted. Prof. Muzaffar Hanfi presided over the Mushiara, while the first time visitor the Kingdom Abrar Kashif regaled the audience with his eloquent conducting of the poetry session. He resorted to the use of fresh and old couplets to sustain the tempo of the evening and keep the bond between the poets and audience.

Abrar succeeded in carrying forward the traditional legacy of Poet Malikzada Mansoor and Anwar Jalal Puri. With seamless switches to couplets that swayed and determined the mood of the evening. Among the ten poets who took part in the Mushaira, four are visiting the Kingdom for first time.

Indian Ambassador Ahmed Javed inaugurated the Mushaira by lighting the traditional candle. In his welcome address the envoy appreciated the efforts and arrangements of Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi, first secretary at the embassy, in conducting the Mushaira. He also appreciated and lauded the members of the cultural committee for their cooperation in organizing the Mushaira.

Dr. Hifzur Rahman introduced all the poets by reading out the famous couplets of the poets as they made their way to the stage. A longtime resident of Kingdom, founder of many professional and literary organizations and a proponent of Urdu language and literature Abdul Rahman Saleem was felicitated at the event.

The ambassador presented a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his services for the promotion of Urdu language during the last four decades. The envoy also presented plaques to all the poets and sponsors of the event.

The most successful presenter Abrar Kashif endeared himself with the following couplets.

“Chasmay Falak Nashin Say Dekha Nahi Gaya Jugnu Maha Mubeen Say Dekha nahi Gaya Kya Abkay Munafaqin May Mera Bhi Naam Tha Yeh Bhi Munafaqin Say Dekha Nahi Gaya”

“Bus Ek Sar Sari Say Nazar Daldi Gaye Mere Taraf Yaqoun Say Dekha Nahi Gaya”

“Mere Bacho ki Ibadat bhi hai Ismay Shamil Ghar Faqat meri Kamai Say Nahi Chalta Hai”

“Khuda Karay Mere Bacho Ko Phool Miljayeh Mai Inko Khwab May Kanton Pay Chalta Dekhta Hoon”

On public demand he presented his famous poem Khuda Ka Sawal, which was penned by him as a question from Allah SWT in which he cited the countless bounties and blessing of Allah and finally asks the Ummah what they did for Him in return.

Nadeem Shad presented Nashed at the beginning and the following couplet was appreciated by all.

“Ta Umar Apni Ankh Na Kholunga Mai Kabhi Ho Jaye Khawab Mai Ziyarat Rasool Ki”

Naeem Fraz presented the following couplets.

“Yaad E Mazi Mai Kho Gaye Ho Kya Tum Bhi Mere Jaisi Ho Gaye Kya Aaj Miss Call Tak Nahi Aye Muntazir Hoon Mai So Gaye Ho Kya”

“Tum Ko Haq Baat Jo Kahna Ki Adat Hai Taqtayadar Par Jana Ka Irada Hai Kya”

Sardar Saleem, a journalist and columnist with Etemaad Urdu daily and reputable poet from Hyderabad, was impressive. The other poets Waseem Barelvi, Dr. Liaqat Jafri, Fayyaz Farooqui, Iqbal Ashhar too presented their poetries in their initable style. Aleena Itrat, the sole poetess, presented her couplets in tarannum (melody) instead of a formal recital.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and his mother, Embassy staff, IISR Principal Dr. Shaukat Perwez, managing committee members, and a large number of Indian community members were present. Dr. Hifzur Rahman proposed the vote of thanks.