Tribune News Network
Doha
Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, the oldest and most prestigious literary organisation in Qatar, continued its tradition of fostering Urdu literature with a special event recently held at Khayal Khaima, a venue dedicated to literary activities by Bazm’s president Mohammed Shad Akolvi.
Established in 1959, Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar organised an evening to launch the poetry book of visiting poet Syed Khalid Mohsin from Malaysia, coupled with a poetry symposium that showcased the richness of Urdu poetry.
The event was presided over by Dr Faisal Hanif, Bazm’s chairman and a noted writer and literary connoisseur. Syed Khalid Mohsin, the visiting poet and development worker currently based in Nepal, was the guest of honour.
Bazm’s member Waseem Ahmed and the Pakistan Arts Society’s general secretary Adeel Akbar graced the event as the chief guests. The proceedings were conducted by Bazm’s president Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi, who also hosted the event.
The evening began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Shad Akolvi, followed by a warm welcome address by Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, the joint secretary of Bazm. Kamal took the opportunity to highlight the organisation’s six-decade-long contributions to promoting Urdu literature in Qatar.
Jamshed Ansari, a poet and long-time member of Bazm introduced Syed Khalid Mohsin to the audience. Ansari shared insights into Mohsin’s remarkable contributions to Urdu literature, particularly in Nepal, where Mohsin has been actively promoting the language and writing as a columnist for a local Urdu newspaper.
The first segment of the programme was dedicated to the launch of Syed Khalid Mohsin’s poetry book, which is a compilation of Urdu ghazals.A development professional associated with HHRD-USA, Mohsin currently serves as Regional Director for ASEAN and resides in Nepal.
Following the book launch, the event transitioned into a poetry symposium. The symposium featured local poets, including Azfar Gardaizi, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Jamshed Ansari, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azemi, and Shad Akolvi, alongside the guest poet, Syed Khalid Mohsin. Each poet recited their selected poetry, captivating the audience.
Towards the end of the programme, Syed Khalid Mohsin shared his thoughts, expressing gratitude for the warm reception and praising Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar for its relentless efforts in promoting Urdu literature in the region.
In his presidential address, Dr Faisal Hanif underscored Bazm’s unique role as a literary workshop that has nurtured generations of writers, poets, and critics. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Irshad Ahmed, Bazm’s media secretary and treasurer.
