Noted Doha-based Urdu poet Ateeq Anzar's collection of poems 'Achhe Din Ka Sog' has been released at a ceremony organised by Karwan-e-Urdu Qatar, a literary organisation of the Gulf.
The ceremony was held on May 19 at the Grand Qatar Palace Hotel in Doha.
The book is an anthology of poems on protests and resistance taking place in today's world.
Several literary figures, poets, writers and representatives of different organisations attended the function. Three essayists presented well-written papers on Anzar’s poetry, specially in the light of his latest collection 'Achhe Din Ko Sog', which - loosely translated - means mourning 'good days'.
Apart from the poet’s unique diction, piercing vision and different shades of thoughts, the papers presented also talked about the historical reference of the 'protest' poems and its existence in global literature in chronological order.
Aziz Nabil, a well-known author and poet of Doha, in his paper evaluated Anzar's poems in detail. He said that these poems are a bright allegory of protest and resistance in this era.
Rashid Alam Rashid said: "'Achhe Din Ka Sog' is a good example of resistance poetry in Urdu literature.”
Syed Shakeel Ahmed, who discussed the art and personality of Anzar, said: “His poems are a landscape of our era. The poems deal directly with the problems faced by the human.”
Azim Abbas, patron of Karwan-e-Urdu Qatar, eminent businessman and social figure; chief guest Hasan Chogle, who is renowned for his educational mission in India and Qatar; and guest of honour and renowned poet Azhar Iqbal from India; released the book.
The general secretary of Karwan-e-Urdu, young writer and translator Mohamed Shahid Khan conducted the ceremony, while Syed Shakeel Ahmed conducted the Mushaira which followed the release ceremony.
Many friends and participants expressed their love by presenting gifts to Anzar.
The Karwan-e-Urdu's liaison secretary Syed Rafi-ud-Din proposed a vote of thanks.
Poets who won the hearts of the audience with their works included: Azhar Iqbal, Ateeq Anzar, Aziz Nabeel, Iftekhar Raghib, Ahmad Ashfaque, Asif Shafi, Qaisar Masood, Maqsood Anwar Maqsood, Dr Nadeem Jilani, Syed Shakil Ahmad, Rashid Alam Rashid, Raqim Azmi and Iftekhar Husain Kazim.
Anzar, originally from the Indian city of Banaras, has been residing in Qatar for more than three decades.