Riyadh: A graceful literary evening dedicated to high-quality Urdu poetry was held on Friday under the auspices of the literary organisation “Aalami Urdu Mihwar Riyadh” (AAM). The event, hosted by Engineer Syed Ghufran Ahmed, a member of the organisation’s patron committee, took place at the hall of Delight Restaurant, Riyadh.
The gathering was presided over by noted academic and social personality Muhammad Zaigham Khan. Renowned personality Abdul Ahad Siddiqui graced the occasion as the distinguished chief guest, while literature-loving Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed was the honorary guest. Poet Siraj Alam Zakhmi conducted the proceedings with finesse.
Engineer Syed Ghufran Ahmed, along with the office-bearers of AAM — especially its president and renowned poet Iftikhar Raghib — extended warm invitations to selected literary personalities from Riyadh, making the mushaira a memorable confluence of poetry lovers.
The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mansoor Qasmi. Bouquets were presented to the president, chief guest, honorary guest, and host by AAM officials including Iftikhar Raghib, Mansoor Qasmi, Abdul Rahman Rashid, and Hassan Arifi.
In his welcome address, Iftikhar Raghib extended a heartfelt welcome to the dignitaries, representatives of various organisations, participating poets, and audience members. He highlighted the aims and objectives of Aalami Urdu Mihwar Riyadh and gave a brief overview of the organisation’s forthcoming programmes.
Poets Enchant Audience
The audience was treated to soul-stirring poetry by prominent Riyadh-based poets:
• Iftikhar Raghib
• Zafar Mahmood Zafar
• Saleem Kawish
• Peer Asad Kamal
• Hassan Arifi
• Tahir Bilal
• Siraj Alam Zakhmi
• Awwal Sangrampuri
• Mansoor Qasmi
• Saeed Akhtar Azmi
• Abdul Rahman Rashid Umri
Guests Praise Urdu’s Cultural Significance
Guest of Honour Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed emphasised that Urdu is not merely a language but a reflection of rich culture and civilisation. “Urdu is our valuable heritage, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and promote it for future generations,” he said.
Chief Guest Abdul Ahad Siddiqui began his remarks with verses from Hafeez Jaunpuri and expressed delight at attending such a refined mushaira after a long time. He congratulated both the poets and the audience.
President of the gathering Muhammad Zaigham Khan described the event as more than just poetry, calling it “a beautiful reflection of emotions and sentiments.” He noted that the successful gathering proved Urdu’s power to bridge distances between hearts.
Host Engineer Syed Ghufran Ahmed, former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Old Boys Association Riyadh, thanked all participating poets and audience members. He lauded the excellent standard of poetry presented by Riyadh’s poets and expressed hope that even larger mushairas would be organised in the future, Insha’Allah, to further promote and preserve Urdu language and literature.
The elegant evening concluded with a vote of thanks.
YaHind.Com extends its congratulations to Aalami Urdu Mihwar Riyadh and all participants for successfully keeping the flame of Urdu literature alive in the Kingdom.
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