Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), established in 1959, organised a book launching ceremony of the second collection of poems 'Ambassadors of Love' by Shiraz Ahmad Bakali followed by a mushaira at TNG School's secondary campus Al Wakrah.
The programme was presided over Syed Mustafa Rabbani, the deputy head of mission at the Pakistan embassy, while Mohammed Khalid Bakali, chairman of TNG School, and well-known local poet Iftikhar Raghib graced the function as chief guests. The author of the book was the guest of honour.
The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by Hafiz Shayan Ahmed Bakali. The programme was divided into two segments: prose session was conducted by Riyaz Ahmed Bakali and poetry session by BUQ president Mohammed Rafique Shad Akolvi.
BUQ chairman Dr Faisal Hanif delivered the opening speech. In the prose session, Mohammed Rafiq Shad Akolvi, Dr Faisal Hanif, Iftekhar Raghib, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Isfandiar Ansari, Ayesha Mujahid, and Anwar Ali Rana presented their essays on the book of Shiraz Ahmed Bakali and highlighted different aspects of his poetic works.
Poets Iftekhar Raghib, Shiraz Ahmad Bakali, Mohammed Rafiq Shad Akolvi, Muzaffar Nayab, Wazir Ahmed Wazir, Inam Azmi, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Anwar Ali Rana, Samreen Nadeem, Shahzeb Shahab, Mubasir Iman, and Shabbar Ali recited their selected poems to the immense appreciation of the gathering.
Mohamed Khalid Bakali highlighted the poetic works of Shiraz Ahmad Bakali and expressed his gratitude towards BUQ and TNG school. Rabbani emphasised the need to learn Urdu language and its importance in the context of culture. He appreciated the role of literary gatherings as a vital step towards the flourishing of the Urdu language and literature.
On behalf of TNG School, Shiraz Ahmed Bakali, Iftekhar Raghib, Dr Faisal Hanif, and all the other poets and essayists were presented with the certificates of appreciation for their literary services. The programme was graced by a multitude of attendees, including members of BUQ, representatives of various organisations, and distinguished members of the society.
Kainat Bakali, as a programme co-ordinator at TNG school, assisted in the organisation of the programme, which ended with a vote of thanks by BUQ vice president Waseem Ahmed.
