Top poets to converge on Dubai to pay homage to Shaikh Zayed

The international mushaira is the annual festival of Urdu poetry being held in Dubai since 1986.

“The tradition was set by the late Salim Jafri to dedicate the poetry night to one of the leading lights of contemporary poetry. This year, the event will be dedicated to the late UAE leader whose inspiring leadership revolutionised the country, making it one of the most vibrant centres of international culture,” she observed.

“Shaikh Zayed’s unflinching support to causes of freedom, and protection of human rights and his desire for international peace and harmony reflected his faith in all those sublime values which are dear to poets and lovers of human dignity.”

Shahida said that the Mushaira 2004 would be a befitting tribute to Shaikh Zayed. Billed as ‘Mushaira Bayaad-e-Shaikh Zayed’, it will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Dubai on December 17 and presided over by Ahmed Faraz, the doyen of Pakistani poets.

Renowned lyricists such as Dr Pirzadah Qasim, Amjad Islam Amjad, Anwar Masood, Khurshid Rizvi, Azm Behzad, Zakia Ghazal, Iqbal Khawar, Mohsin Changezi, and Shehzad Raza from Pakistan and Munawwar Raana, Rais Ansari, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Manzar Bhopali, Mumtaz Nasim, Haq Kanpuri, Shair Jamali and Popular Meeruthi from India will recite their works at the mushaira.

A souvenir containing articles on the various aspects of Shaikh Zayed’s life will also be published on the occasion, said Aslam Malik, General Secretary of the Majlis. It will also carry selected verses of the participating poets.