Mushaira
JEDDAH – Urdu Gulban Jeddah is solely a literary group, distinct from the social clubs that organize grand mushairas. The present committee of Urdu Gulban, constantly mindful of its national interests, has concluded that we will mark the 78th Indian Independence Day as a means of fostering national solidarity. The Mushaira was held in the IISJ Girls School Auditorium. Tricolor colours adorned the stage of the IISJ Girls School Auditorium.
Mohammed Aslam Afghani, the General Secretary of Gulban, captured everyone’s attention with his voice as he stood on stage and used the microphone to inform the audience about the literary festival while also offering greetings.
The President and Vice-President of Urdu Gulban, Mr. Naser Barni, and the Program Convenor, Dr. Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig, welcomed the Chief Guests, Azizul Rab and the Guest of Honor, Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui, along with Imam Mehdi Hussain, Head of Chancery at the Indian Consulate.
Mahtab Qadir, serving as President of Urdu Gulban, delivered the welcoming address. Followed by the prominent Indian members Zakaria Biladi, Dr. Saleem from the School Managing Committee, Aziz Ul Rab, the Chief Guest, shared his opinions, and was followed by Mr. Abdul Qadeer Hassan Siddiqui, the Guest of Honor, and the Head of Chancery, Imam Mehdi Hussain, who came from the Indian Consulate, addressing the guests.
The Mushaira began by lighting candles. A group of 14 well-known Urdu poets, including four from overseas and 10 local poets, gathered to exchange and recite their poetic verses. The poets who participated in the Mushaira were Mahtab Qadr, Mujahid Syed, Dr. Prince Mufti Zia, Neha Prakash Rai, Amrina Qaisar, Chand Doebandi, Syed Waheed Quadri Arif, Naser Burney, Rizwan Mahzbi, Arshad Kidwai, Dr. Qamar Suroor, Mohammed Aslam Afghani, Shujauddin Madih, and Ahmed Basha. All the poets’ poetry mesmerized the audience.
The Mushaira began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Madinah poet presenting a naat. Aslam Afghani, the General Secretary of Urdu Gulban, then invited local and international poets to the stage, where they each received a bouquet. Naser Burney, Vice President of Urdu Gulban, and Nazim Mushairah (Moderator) joined the stage to lead the Mushaira with Mahtab Qadr, President of Urdu Gulban. He paid tribute with the recitation of a valuable poem in the context of our beloved country, “India,” on Nation’s Solidarity (Qaumi Yekhjti).
Few of his couplets are
“Is Baagh ki Mohabbat Chimiti Howi Hai Jaan Se
Meer Arab Ko Aaye Thankdi Hawa Se Gulha Hai
Rang Wa Boo Se Mehka Howa Chaman Hai
Tehzeeb Ki Zameen Per Sab Rang Kehkahshan Hai”
Chand Deobandi
“Koi Aankhoun Ko Acha Lag Gaya Hai
Tu Ab Jeena Ka Chaska Lag Gaya Hai
Padha Hai Is Qadr Duniya Ka Chehra
Mere Chehre Per Ab Chasma Lag Gaya Hai“
Chand Deobandi captivated the audience with his recitation of ghazals featuring Hindi rhymes, showcasing the culture of Ganga Jamuna. If Urdu traditions had a “Man of the Match” award, it would be safe to say that Chand Deobandi was the standout performer at this Mushaira.
Some of his much applauded verses were:
“Gale Milte Hain Sajdoun Mein Dua Se Baat Karte Hain
Suna Hai Raat Ko Aansoun Khuda Se Baat Karte Hain
Ye Aadat Hai Taaluq Hai Hunar Hai Ya Karishma Hain
Badan Ke Zakhm Ab Mere Dawa Se Baat Karte Hain”
The Urdu poetry enthusiasts in great attendance at the venue poured out their admiration for the poets and their poems. The poets performed their finest poems and were met with generous applause from the audience.
The Mushaira concluded with Dr. Mirza Qudrath Nawaz Baig, the program Convener, giving a vote of thanks.
