Captivating Bayaad-e-Atash / Aik Shaam Noon Javed ke Naam Literary Event in Palatine, Illinois
By Ayaz Khawaja
On Sunday, August 20, 2023, BaYaad e Atash commemorated the works and life of Khawaja Reazuddin Atash, a prominent poet and writer from Pakistan and Chicago. The event was combined with “Aik Shaam Noon Javed Ke Naam," celebrated the poetic endeavors and the poetry books of Javed M. Khan, pen name Noon Javed. This captivating literary event took place at the Palatine Library in Palatine, Illinois, in collaboration with the Urdu Institute and the joint efforts of Bazm e Atash.
The program's first segment was hosted by Noor Khawaja, featuring the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Haroon Khawaja. Following that, a beautiful Hamd was presented by Naheed Javed, and a lovely Naat was performed by Syma Khan. The audience was captivated by Sharaf Khawaja's presentation of “Savaneh e Atash”. Renowned Urdu novelist Razia Fasih Ahmed presented "Bagh o Bahar Shakhsiet," reminiscing about her humorous memories with Reazuddin Atash during literary sessions and poetry learning.
During BaYaad e Atash, Noon Javed shared his article and memories of Reazuddin Atash. Ustad e Sukhan - Rasheed Sheikh also shared his memories, reflecting on Atash's life and work. Other North American literary figures like Wahajuddin, Ghulam Mustafa Anjum and Nazar Naqvi recalled their amusing experiences with Khawaja Reazuddin Atash while traveling and participating in various poetic and literary events.
The event had a 20-minute break for light refreshments, including sandwiches, pizza, chaat, sweets, tea, and soft drinks. As the audience settled into their seats after the break, three videos were played on the screen. SM Shahid, a renowned literary and classical music figure from Pakistan, shared his fond memories of Reazuddin Atash, while Rafiuddin Raaz, another distinguished poetic figure, expressed his appreciation for Atash's literary works.
A performance of the famous ghazal by Atash “Zamane Ki Sada Hoon" by Vijay Pergaonkar was well-received by the audience. The second segment of the program was dedicated to Noon Javed, titled "Aik Shaam Noon Javed Ke Naam," during which Farrukh Khawaja shared insights into Noon Javed's poetic works and life. Sharaf Khawaja presented "Sirhane Maiz Per," a nazam honoring Noon Javed.
The article "Pakeeza Jazbaat," written by renowned poet and literary figure Tabish Dehlavi, was presented by Ayaz Khawaja. Mahboob Ali Khan and Ameen Haider, a literary poetic figure and the founder of Urdu Institute, respectively, shared their thoughts on Noon Javed's poetic and literary achievements.
The program concluded with a Mushaira, hosted by Mehboob Ali Khan, where poets from various parts of the country shared their poems and ghazals. The participants were Mehboob Ali Khan, Tahira Rida, Sajida Kazmi, Khawer Husain, Ghulam Mustafa Anjum, Rasheed Sheikh, Noon Javed, Dr Lateef Saif and Nazar Naqvi. The audience applauded and enjoyed these performances, making the event a resounding success. As the show came to a close, there was hope and optimism that Bazm e Atash and the Urdu Institute will continue to achieve great success.
