RIYADH – Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club Riyadh traditionally organized their annual literary fiesta –“Mushaira”, a poetic symposium in a splendid gravitas. Meticulously selected gems of Urdu poetry gathered on the stage reflecting the literary galaxy of Riyadh.
TM Mohammed Farooquddin started the program by the recitation of Holy Quran and his opening remarks. This event included a blend of prose and poetry sessions. The prose session was organized by the Director of Toastmasters Division A (of Dist. 79) and well-known journalist TM Mohammed Saifuddin. Wasim Qureshi, Saeed Akhtar Azmi and K.N. Wasif presented their works in the prose session.
Hasan Arifi, a well-known name in the organization of mushairas, anchored the poetry session and kept the audience engaged from the beginning to the end with his unique captivating style. The distinguished poets of the city of Riyadh presented their ‘kalam’ (literary work) in the poetry session. They received great applause and appreciation from the elite gathering. They included Ayub Tishna, Saeed Akhtar Azmi, Abdul Rahman Omari, Zia Arshi, Sohail Iqbal, Mansoor Qasmi, Hasan Arifi, Noor Jamshidpuri, Tahir Bilal, Altaf Shariryar, Iftikhar Raghib and Zafar Mahmood. The poetry session started with Naat-e-Mubarak by Mansoor Qasmi.
In the beginning, TM Syed Ateeq Ahmed, President of Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club (BUTMC) Riyadh, while welcoming the guests, highlighted the importance and usefulness of the Club’s annual Mushaira. TM Ateeq also shed light on the aims and objectives of BUTMC.
Toastmasters International was founded by Ralph C. Smedley on October 22, 1924, in California, United States and today the organization serves over 364,000 members in 145 countries, through its 16,200 member clubs. Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club, Riyadh was established in the year 2013 and its founder President was Arc. M.A.R Saleem. Since then the Club has consistently grown and has the privilege of being Distinguished Toastmasters Club for the past several years.
The eminent poets and writers were felicitated and presented ritual shawls. This part of the event was moderated by DTM Mohammed Mubeen. On this occasion, the ritual launch of the book, a poetry collection entitled “Khamoosh Lamhon Ka Safar” by Ms. Noor Jamshedpuri, a well-known poetess and Urdu teacher of the International Indian Public School, Riyadh, was also held.
“I will not recite traditional qasida (epode) or eulogy of Urdu. Rather, I would like to draw your attention to the dangers hovering over Urdu and the need for concern and practical action for its future” said by Dr. Sayeed Nawaz presiding the annual Mushaira of Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club. TM Dr. Sayeed Nawaz, who closely follows Urdu language and literature, boldly said that Urdu language is also going to be included in the list of languages of India which have become only colloquial languages. He said that we have to admit that we have failed to protect our language. It is better that Urdu people make serious efforts to transfer their language to their new generation rather than cursing Urdu. And individually and collectively play your part in the survival and development of your language. He also said that the people of Urdu have elevated the tradition of Mushaira. Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club Riyadh is to be congratulated for continuing this noble tradition through its annual Mushaira he commended.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ozair Ahmed Ghazi, the special guest of this meeting and literary session of Bazm Urdu Toastmasters Club Riyadh, said that history is a witness that writers and poets have revolutionized nations through their works. He stressed that Writers and Poets illuminate our society. They write on social evils, indolence, hatred, bigotry, economic and social injustice. Mushairas influence style, language and style of expression. Dr. Ghazi also said that we should try to make our gatherings meaningful and not just entertainment. He said that continuous education is necessary for the survival of the language.
Social activist and journalist Ms. Shazeen Eram who was elected as a member of the management committee of International Indian School Riyadh was also felicitated by Bazm-e-Urdu Toastmasters Club. TM Syed Abdul Hamid presented the vote of thanks. This memorable evening par excellence came to an end with the gala dinner at the Samama Residency Auditorium.
