By M. Mujahid Syed
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — “Society progresses under the guidance of the poets and artists. Their guidance is more humane and beneficial for humanity,” said Anwar Ansari a veteran artist, calligrapher and poet in an interview to Saudi Gazette.
Anwar Ansari was born in Tanda, Faizabad, India. His family migrated to Pakistan. His father, a Hafiz (who memorizes the Holy Qur’an), was a weaver by profession. Ansari had to help him in weaving at home. Later, he learnt calligraphy and art. Presently he has retired from Urdu News daily after 23 years where he had been working as an artist and Islamic calligrapher.
Ansari is satisfied with his stay in the Kingdom and is going back home with fond memories. “I am happy and satisfied, my prayers were answered and my stay in the land of two Holy Harams was bountiful. I would never forget my friends and colleagues in Jeddah who were always generous to me,” he said.
“Since early childhood I had a keen interest in painting and calligraphy. I am a self-taught artist,” Ansari said, adding, “During former President Gen. Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, I had a chance to meet him. His government had a policy of supporting Islamic arts and calligraphy. I went to London in 1984; I stayed there for one year. I was able to exhibit my art works in Eldon Hall on the eve of Aug. 14 (Independence Day of Pakistan). The exhibition got great coverage in London newspapers. It had an echo in Pakistani media too,” Ansari said.
“I had participated in art and calligraphy exhibitions in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sindh Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. In 1994, I received a special award along with a fat check by Pakistan National Council of Arts. Karachi is a city of art and poetry. I had many artist and poet friends there. Their company sharpened my artistic talents. Veteran poets, late Sahba Akhtar, Jauhar Saeedi, Kaif Banarsi, Alam Azimabadi and Rasa Chughtai always guided me,” Ansari added.
“Before joining Urdu News I had been to Saudi Arabia four times during Haj season. I was part of a Pakistani team who came here to publish an Urdu newspaper annually. In the Kingdom, I am very impressed by the Islamic calligraphy of Ustad Shafiq Uz Zaman, who is the chief calligrapher of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. I always draw inspiration from his calligraphy,” Ansari said.
“My favorite poets are Meer, Ghalib, Iqbal, Nasir Kazmi and Shakeb Jalali. In the modern Urdu poetry, I like Jone Elia, Jamal Ehsani and Saleem Kausar. Anwar Javed Hashmi is my friend whose poetry also attracts me. Eight months ago I underwent a successful bypass surgery. I am feeling fresh now and going back to Pakistan for good. After spending some time with my family, I intend to go to Italy or the Netherlands to get some art literature for my future work in Pakistan,” he added.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and especially Jeddah has emerged as a cradle of Urdu literature and poetry. Many poets and writers from the Indian subcontinent are lighting the candle of Urdu literature and poetry in Saudi Arabia. Every year, Pakistani and Indian consulates are inviting poets from their respective countries. Aalami Urdu Markaz, Jeddah should be given credit for inviting Urdu poets from Pakistan along with its other literary activities. Among the oldest organizations, that are working selflessly to promote Urdu language and poetry, Majlis-e-Ilm-o-Adab, Jeddah’s role is unforgettable. AMUOBA, urdugulban.com and other Pakistani and Indian social organizations are paving way for a suitable atmosphere for Urdu poetry,” Ansari said.
