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Urdu poetry book launched in Dubai

DUBAI — Noted Pakistani poet Feza Azmi was the guest of honour at the launch of his new book, Khaak Main Sooratain (Faces in dust) in Dubai recently.

The book contains a long poem narrating the saga of women’s exploitation through the ages and upholding the rights given to them by Islam.

The ceremony was presided over by celebrated Pakistani poet and playwright Amjad Islam Amjad. Haji Abdul Razzak Yaqub, Chairman of ARY Group, was the chief guest.

Speakers praised Azmi’s pioneering role in reviving the reformist poetry in the tradition of Maulana Hali and Allama Iqbal.

Azmi said that he conceived the theme of his poem in the background of current attempts to hold Islam responsible for the discriminatory treatment against women.

Azmi says that historically it is wrong as it is Islam which ensured full respect and important social rights for women.

Divided in four parts, the poem deals with the treatment meted out to women in different eras of the mankind’s history.

Commending Azmi’s knowledge and understanding of history, social dynamics and his mastery over language, Amjad said his poems had revived the noble tradition of reformist poetry.

Faiza Feza termed Azmi’s poem unique and comprehensive. She said that many parts of the poem made her cry.

Yaqoob Tasawwar expressed the hope that Azmi’s poem will revive interest in this form of poetry which has a direction and purpose. Najmul Hasan Rizvi paid tribute to Azmi for the literary merit of the book and his penchant for exploring new themes.

Poet Zahoorul Islam Javed conducted the programme and lauded the poem in his remarks.