Tribune News Network
Doha
Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), the oldest literary organisation in Qatar, celebrated World Urdu Day recently with a grand literary programme at Mazza, Qatar.Established in 1959, BUQ has been playing an instrumental role in the promotion of Urdu language and literature in the country. This special event featured three key segments: a book launch, a seminar on Urdu prose, and a poetry symposium, attracting a large audience of poetry and art enthusiasts.
The programme was presided over by BUQ’s General Secretary, poet, and writer Iftekhar Raghib. Renowned editor and writer Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, who was visiting from Pakistan, was the chief guest of the event.
Bazm’s members, including Dr Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi and Jamshed Ansari, were present as guests of honour, while BUQ President Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi served as the master of the ceremony, conducting the proceedings with his distinctive style.
The evening began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi, followed by a welcome address by Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, BUQ’s joint secretary, who also highlighted the organisation’s literary contributions.
Adeel Akbar, general secretary of the Pakistan Arts Society, introduced the Chief Guest Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, detailing his literary journey and decades-long contributions to Urdu publishing.
The first segment featured a series of essays, beginning with an interesting write-up by Haroon-ur-Rasheed Qureshi, chief editor of Rahbar Kisan International. His essay was about the life of Syed Abdul Hye, BUQ’s senior patron since 1959, offering an engaging account of Abdul-Hye’s migration to Qatar 65 years ago and his role in promoting Urdu literature and culture.The audience responded with warm applause, appreciating the personal perspective on Abdul Hye and the rich historical account.
Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi followed with a comprehensive essay on the evolution of the Urdu language and literature. His well-researched piece explored the contributions of various poets and writers, providing a scholarly overview that resonated with the audience. The prose session ended on a lighter note with a humorous character sketch of poet Wazir Ahmed Wazir, presented by BUQ Chairman Dr Faisal Hanif. The vivid portrayal brought laughter and applause from the audience, as well as commendations from the chief guest and others on stage.
The second segment marked the launch of Syed Mohammed Yaqoub’s latest book, a travelogue of the United States. The author formally presented his book to BUQ Chairman Dr Faisal Hanif, who expressed gratitude and congratulated Yaqoub on his contribution to Urdu literature.
The evening culminated in a poetry symposium featuring 17 poets, including Azhar Azmi, Suhail Ahmed Wafa, Sobia Khan, Azfar Gardaizi, Shahzeb Shahab, Samreen Nadeem Samar, Prof Dr Shama Parveen, Anwar Ali Rana, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Jamshed Ansari, Dr Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi, Wazir Ahmed Wazir, Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azmi, Iftekhar Raghib, and Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi.Each poet recited their best works, captivating the audience. The audience responded enthusiastically, acknowledging the poets’ efforts with continuous applause.
President of the session Iftekhar Raghib, Chief Guest Syed Mohammed Yaqoub, along with Dr Wasi-ul-Haq Wasi and Jamshed Ansari, offered their reflections on the programme, commending the quality of the prose and poetry sessions.They praised BUQ’s commitment to nurturing the Urdu language and literature for over six decades, recognising the organisation as an important platform for literary growth in Qatar.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Irshad Ahmed, BUQ’s media secretary and treasurer.
