Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar organised the International Mushaira on December 26 in Doha aimed at nurturing the Urdu language and literature and promoting it among the younger generation.
Renowned and seasoned poets from the subcontinent graced the Mushaira, adding exceptional splendour to the literary gathering.
Eminent poets including Shakeel Azmi, Afzal Allahabadi, Dil Khairabadi, Rana Tabassum, Faraz Adeebi, Sabahat Aarruj, and Khalid Nadeem Shani wowed the audience with their thought-provoking and melodious poetry.
Their verses reflected a fine blend of intellectual depth, artistic maturity, and contemporary awareness, drawing repeated applause from the listeners. Their participation truly imparted an international character to the Mushaira and reaffirmed that Urdu poetry transcends geographical boundaries.
Doha-based local poets also made a strong impact, demonstrating that the land of Doha is rich with fertile literary minds. Local poets included Raqim Azmi, Ahmad Ashfaq, renowned humorist Ashfaq Deshmukh, Aziz Nabeel, Asif Shafi, Maqsood Anwar Maqsood, Ateeq Anzar and Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani Danish.
Their fresh, spontaneous, and life-centred poetry added a distinct flavour to the evening. Themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, social consciousness, and intellectual maturity were particularly prominent in their verses and were appreciated by the audience.
The Mushaira commenced with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Hafiz Muazzam Nadvi followed by an introductory address by Muhammad Athar, advisor to Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar. He highlighted the organisation’s literary services, historical significance, and its pivotal role in promoting the Urdu language.
The initial proceedings were conducted by Ahmad Ashfaq, the general secretary of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, and the formal stage was later taken over by Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani Danish.
Mushaira president Jawaid Danish, an internationally acclaimed theatre artist and literary figure from Canada, lauded the global reach of the Urdu language, the consistent efforts of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, and the sincerity of the organisers. He described such gatherings as a breath of fresh air for Urdu literature.
Chief guest Issa Salman Juma Rabia al-Kuwari expressed his deep affection for Urdu language and literature and congratulated Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar on organising such a meaningful and successful literary event.
The presence of distinguished literary personalities such as Gauhar Altaf, Tanveer Sheikh, Javaid Sahib, Ibrahim Khan Kamal, and other renowned poets and writers further enhanced the stature of the Mushaira. It reaffirmed Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar’s esteemed position among literary circles.
The Mushaira president thanked the organisers, poets, audience, and sponsors, hoping that Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar would continue to serve Urdu literature with the same passion and dedication.