Call to preserve Urdu, mushaira

“Urdu language stays as the language of daily communication between communities, but there is a danger that its script could die with the passage of time. We must make our children learn to write Urdu at least till their 8^th class. Otherwise, they will forget its alphabets and their composition,” the senior poet from India told the audience at the 7^th International Urdu Mushaira at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club.

Zahoorul Islam Jawaid, Iftekhar Arif, M. K. Lokesh, and Ehsan Raza unveiling the souvenir of the mushaira at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. — KT photo by Shoaib Anwer

Indian Ambassador M. K. Lokesh and Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission Ehsan Raza were the chief guests at the mushaira which was presided by renowned poet Iftekhar Arif of Pakistan. Arif emphasised that the special culture of mushaira, such as seating on the floor and witty comments by the listeners, should be passed on to the new generation of audience.

Other poets from India and Pakistan rendering their verses were Saleem Kauser, Tariq Sabzwari, Saleem Tahir, Rana Tabassum, Dr Kaleem Qaiser, and Rajesh Reddy. Auj-e-Kamal, chief editor of Duniya-e-Adab Urdu magazine of Karachi, was a special guest. UAE-based poet Zahoorul Islam Jawaid was the chief organiser.

Emirati Urdu poet Dr Zubair Farooq and Indian and Pakistani poets based in the UAE and the Arab Gulf countries also participated.

“Mushaira has a unique place in the cultural ethos of India and Pakistan. For many centuries, it has served to provide strong bonds between different communities. It is gratifying to note that this artistic form has survived for many centuries. The passage of time has not dented its lustre and entertaining quality,” Lokesh said in a message.

“Urdu language is the torchbearer of love, brotherhood, humanity and tolerance in the subcontinent. It also contains a wealth of literature, culture and history,” Raza said. He and Lokesh distributed shields among the poets.

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