A Memorable Literary Evening
By Yousuf Bhuvad
The Federation of Al garh Alumni
Associations of North America Arizona Chapter celebrated Sir
Syed Day with an International Mushaira on November 17, 2007
at a community church in Avondale.
The Mushaira was attended by a large number of Urdu poetry
enthusiasts across the valley.
The program started with the recitation of the Holy Quran
by Abid Haroon. The president of the Aligarh Alumni Association
welcomed the audience and introduced the senior members of
the Aligarh Association. He also requested Mr. Itrat Hussain
to be the moderator of the Mushaira. Itrat Hussain, an ex-resident
of the valley, came from Chicago to participate in this event.
His eloquent style and humor impressed the audience.
Mr Faisal Saleem, an active member of the Association in Arizona,
highlighted the contributions of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in the
promotion of education. The Aligarh movement started by Sir
Syed has its roots both in India and Pakistan. It has produced
alumni in science, education, literature and technology. The
portal www.merachaman.com is a great resource of information
and networking for Aligarh Muslim atudents and alumni.
 |
An
occasion of merriment and relaxation for all |
Mr Itrat Hussain gave a brief
introduction the guest poets as he called them to the podium.
A local poet who happens to be an active member of the Aligarh
Association Qadeer Siddiqui started the Mushaira with his
ghazal collections. Other host poets included Mudassir Khan,
Fiyaz ud din and Mr Musa.
The first guest poet Zakia Ghazal from Pakistan presented
her kalam receiving accolades from the audience. Rahat Indoori
from India captivated the audience with his absorbing thoughts.
Akhtar Shumar from Pakistan recited his ghazals and expressed
beautiful ideas. The audience truly enjoyed Khamakhah Hyderabadi,
who is well-known for his humor and satire. His verses, in
the traditional Hyderabadi style, added an entertainment dimension
to the Mushaira.
The Mushaira ended with Faisal Saleem thanking the sponsors,
volunteers, and poets for making the event possible.
The Ali garh Alumni Association needs to be felicitated for
organizing a literary event of this caliber truly a refreshing
experience for the valley residents from the subcontinent
who love Urdu poetry.
For more pictures, please visit
http://www.kodakgallery.com/yousufgallery/main/sir_syed_day_and_international_mushaira
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
