JEDDAH: In an age of swift cultural transformation, Urdu remains a profound repository of poetry, literature, history and shared heritage, carrying within its lyrical cadence a tradition that has transcended generations, geographies and social boundaries. Reaffirming its tenacious commitment to preserving the enduring relevance of Urdu and its rich linguistic and literary legacy, the North Indian Fraternity Forum (NIFF) recently organised an evocative Poetic Session (Kavi Sammelan) featuring renowned Indian poet Dr. Nawaz Deobandi, alongside accomplished local poets. The gathering was graced by eminent media personality Mr. Siraj Wahab and other prominent community members.
The distinguished literary gathering brought together poetry aficionados from across the region, creating an intellectually vibrant forum where the beauty, eloquence and emotional resonance of Urdu poetry came to the fore. Through verse, wit and literary expression, the programme celebrated Urdu not merely as a language, but as a living cultural tradition that embodies history, human emotion and the civilisational ethos of the Indian subcontinent.
The event formed part of NIFF’s sustained endeavour to preserve, promote and transmit Urdu’s rich literary inheritance to younger generations of the Indian diaspora. By providing a platform for poets and literary enthusiasts, the forum seeks to keep the language’s poetic traditions vibrant while fostering cultural dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding between the Indian and Saudi communities.
Founded several decades ago by prominent Indian businessmen, NIFF has established a distinctive presence in Jeddah’s multicultural landscape through its unwavering commitment to literary enrichment, cultural preservation and community engagement. Under the patronage of Mr. Zia Abdullah Nadwi, founder of Al Falah DPS School, and Mr. Abdul Rahim Pattarkadavan, Director of Raco Group, the forum has continued to champion initiatives reflecting India’s vast cultural and intellectual heritage.
The forum is chaired by Mr. Aziz ur Rab, Director of Abdullah Hashim Machinery, and backed by a powerhouse team comprising Mr. Asim Zeeshan Khan, Mr. Rehan Khan, Mr. Mohammed Shahzad, Mr. Zuhur Ansari, Mr. Ajit Singh, Mr. Surendra Pal Singh, Mr. Syed Gazali and Mr. Zakariya Biladi, whose collective experience and commitment continue to strengthen NIFF’s multifaceted initiatives.
Over the years, NIFF has enriched Jeddah’s cultural milieu through a diverse repertoire of literary, theatrical, motivational and artistic programmes. Its notable initiatives include motivational sessions for students of the International Indian School Jeddah, a solo theatrical presentation on Maulana Abul Kalam Azad by acclaimed stage and film artiste Tom Alter, and the celebrated comedy play Mirza Ghalib in Delhi. Such programmes have enabled the forum to bring India’s literary and performing-arts traditions before a diverse audience while cultivating camaraderie within the diaspora.
NIFF’s contribution, however, extends well beyond cultural pursuits. Its community-service initiatives include Ramadan family assistance kits, medical support for those in need and volunteer assistance during the Haj season, alongside moral and emotional support for Indian nationals facing difficult circumstances.
Describing NIFF as a “home away from home” for Indian families in Jeddah, its leadership said, “Our vision is to nurture bright children, strengthen family bonds, and build a united community for a better future.” The vision finds expression through seminars, workshops and expert-led programmes aimed at personal development, skill enhancement and creating opportunities for younger generations.
By harmonising cultural preservation with compassion, literary enrichment with social responsibility, and community fellowship with empowerment, NIFF has grown beyond the conventional contours of a fraternity organisation. Its continuing efforts demonstrate how language and literature can serve as powerful bridges between generations and communities—ensuring that the timeless fragrance of Urdu and its magnificent poetic tradition continue to resonate far beyond its traditional homeland.
M Siraj
