Celebrating Urdu Poetry: Highlights from the 49th AAA-DC International Mushaira
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro Washington (AAA-DC) hosted its 49th annual International Mushaira on October 20, 2024, in the spacious auditorium of Gaithersburg, Maryland. This celebrated event featured the distinguished poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, recipient of the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India and a former Member of India's Parliament. Other esteemed poets who shared their work included Abdullah Abdullah, Ahmad Salman, Ashfaq Hussain, Masood Ahmad, Mohammed Jaweed, Nikhat Iftikhar, Nusrat Mehdi, Sabiha Saba, Shakeel Azmi, and Vinita Tiwari.
The audience at the memorable AAA-DC International Mushaira |
The audience at the memorable AAA-DC International Mushaira |
The audience at the memorable AAA-DC International Mushaira |
The audience at the memorable AAA-DC International Mushaira |
Nuzaira Azam and Javed Akhtar with Zafar Iqbal standing behind |
Book launching |
The audience at the memorable AAA-DC International Mushaira
|
 Volunteers |
Over the years, AAA-DC's Mushaira has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition for the South Asian diaspora in the Washington area, serving as a bridge to linguistic and literary heritage. The event fosters a dynamic exchange where renowned poets perform alongside emerging voices, sustaining the vibrancy of Urdu poetry. Originally conceived to celebrate Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) legacy in Urdu literature, it now draws a global audience, inviting Urdu poetry lovers to savor the beauty of ghazals and nazms.
The Mushaira is renowned for its diverse lineup, featuring poets from Pakistan, India, Europe, North America, including USA, and beyond. Over the past four decades, legendary poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ali Sardar Jafri, Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, and Ahmad Faraz have graced the event, along with more than a hundred accomplished poets. This blend of voices has solidified the Mushaira's status as one of the most prestigious South Asian cultural gatherings.
The event typically attracts a large audience of Urdu poetry enthusiasts, including dignitaries and representatives from various cultural organizations. Among the attendees were Indian Embassy officials in Washington, Anup Srivastav and Mohammad Bilal Ahmad, along with representatives from groups including the Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA), Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro Washington (GOPIO-DC), Hyderabad Association of Metro Washington Area (HAWMA), Montgomery Nawabs, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, Inc (NCAIA), University of Karachi Alumni Association (UKAA), and students from the University of Maryland College Park and Baltimore County. Additionally, AAA honors individuals who contribute to Urdu's promotion, such as Sanjeev Saraf of Rekhta.org, and includes a traditional rendition of AMU's anthem, Yeh Mera Chaman Hai, adding a nostalgic touch to the gathering.
A highlight of the evening was Javed Akhtar's launch of Dr Abdullah's new poetry collection, Reyt Ki Lahrein Aur Ankahi Batein. Akhtar commended Dr Abdullah’s dedication to preserving AMU's heritage and praised his efforts in uniting alumni from diverse backgrounds, fostering a profound sense of connection and pride in shared roots.
This year’s AAA Annual Mushaira delighted everyone with its much-anticipated return to an in-person format. Longtime attendees, including Dr Ishrat Husain, Mr Kaleem Kawaja, and Ambassador Islam Siddiqi, expressed their appreciation for the live gathering. An enthusiastic audience of over 250 joined in person, marking a joyful return after several years of virtual events. Attendees noted the event’s inclusive spirit, with non-Muslim guests making up a substantial portion of the audience, while poets skillfully incorporated themes from Hindu epics. The significant participation of women poets further added to the success, displaying the Mushaira’s diverse and inclusive nature, and creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and literary richness.
Javed Akhtar presided over the Mushaira, which was skillfully moderated by A. Abdullah.
*The author gratefully acknowledges the valuable contributions of Afzal Usmani.
