Mohammed Saifuddin – Yahind News
Riyadh – Prominent Urdu and Hindi poets from different parts of India enthralled the audience with their renditions at the “Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan” held on Thursday and Friday at Riyadh and Dammam respectively. The event was organized as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav being celebrated to mark 75 years of India’s independence.
For the Indian expat community, it was nothing less than a cultural and literary festival as they were eagerly waiting for this event from log time. Due to the travel restrictions caused by corona virus pandemic, the event was held after a gap of four years. Prior to that it was a regular annual event of the Indian embassy.
Organized by the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Mushaira Committee, carefully selected poets from Urdu and Hindi poetic world mesmerized the audience. Several people enjoyed the poetry as they were glued to their seats almost till the end of the event.
Patriotism, love and affection to the motherland, message of tranquility, peace, unity, harmony and brotherhood were reflected in the poetic redemptions. Most of the poets touched diverse shades of life.
Chief guest of the Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan, Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Aijaz Khan lit the ceremonial and traditional lamp to through open the mushaira.
In his address Ambassador Dr. Sohel Ajaz Khan said that the Indian Embassy conducted several programs under Azadi ka Amrit Manotsav and this Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira is a part of that. He appreciated the efforts of the steering committee members for this excellent event. Later he presented plaques of appreciation to sponsors of the event.
Eminent poet Taher Faraz presided over Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan. Abrar Kashif eloquently conducted the proceedings as Nazim-e-Mushaira (Master of Ceremony).
Emcee called on young and dynamic Hindi poet Jyoti Tripathi from Mumbai to kick start the event with her renditions. Eminent poets from different parts of Indian lined up to deliver their renderings and captivate the audience.
As the only humorous poet of the eve Sajjad Jhanjhat from Roorkee appeared on the stage, the audience burst with laughter as he presented his comic renderings.
Now it’s the time to call on the stage the literary figure Ahmed Badar. Another literary figure, founder and CEO of youtube channel Waseela Urdu TV, Mahmood Shahed from Andhra Pradesh presented his couplets dedicated to the sufferings of expatriate community.
Now it was the turn of another female Hindi poet and software engineer Sapna Moolchandani from Jaipur. She captivated the audience with her couplets.
The array of poets included high profile officers like Addl. Commissioner Mumbai, Qaiser Khaid IPS and senior officer from Indian Postal Services Muzaffar Abdali. They proved their literary acumen with their renderings and earned appreciation from the audience.
When the emcee called a lone Urdu poetess Nikhat Amrohvi to take over the mike, he also informed that the demand of audience for geet will be fulfilled by her. Her renderings were well received by the audience.
Now Shakeel Azmi invited the emcee, Abrar Kashif. Abrar Kashif presented his renderings and fulfilled the demand to recite his famous poem “Allah ka sawal bandey se”.
Now it was the turn of a poet who also writes songs for Bollywood movies. Shakeel Azmi presented ghazals and couplets which were appreciated by the audience.
As the Mushaira was at its peak, senior poet Mansoor Usmani was called on the stage who delivered his recitations eloquently.
Finally, Tahir Faraz who presided over the Mushaira took over the mike and rendered his famous couplets and poems.
Convener Mushaira Committee Abdul Ahad Siddiqui delivered formal welcome address and expressed gratitude for the cooperation and guidance of the Indian embassy officials. Mohammed Zaigham Khan expressed gratitude to the guests and audience in his vote of thanks. Steering committee member Taqiuddin Mir Fazal introduced the poets and called them on the stage.