Poets and writers from various countries enthralled a Doha audience at a two-day Urdu literary festival and awards ceremony organised by Bazm-e-Sadaf International (BSI).
The first day featured an international seminar and panel discussion on the topic "Urdu literature: A messenger across the global culture".
The event started with a welcome speech by BSI president Dr Nadeem Jilani. In his inaugural speech, chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad announced the names of the awardees. He explained how BSI is bringing together Urdu writers from all over the world through such events and is also recognising writers who have made significant contributions.
Ahmad appreciated the contributions of all members of the Doha chapter, especially Mohamed Sabahuddin, Mohamed Irfanullah, Rafat Jahan and Imran Asad. Chief patron Hassan Chougule presided over the award ceremony.
BSI director Prof Safdar Imam Quadri, who travelled from India for the event, in his keynote address outlined how the Urdu language evolved through the amalgamation of cultures and its literature enriching the world's civilisation.
All international guests were felicitated with shawls and mementos. The BSI award was presented to the renowned poet from Canada, Prof Shahida Hassan. The BSI new generation award was given to academic and poet from Pakistan, Dr Ambareen Salahuddin. A well-known poet from Abu Dhabi, Zahoorul Islam Javed was presented with the BSI Sabih Bukhari award for the Urdu Movement for 2022, for his service towards the promotion of the Urdu language and literature in the UAE. Dr Mohamed Gauhar (Chief Editor, Taasir Urdu daily), a guest of honour, was also felicitated by BSI.
Panelists who took part in the interactive discussion included Dr Shakil Ur Rahman, Prof Shahida Hassan, Dr Amatul Mannan Tahir, Dr Ambareen Salahuddin, Masood Hassas, Hassan Kazmi, Khalid Irfan, Ahmad Ashfaq and Professor Safdar Imam Quadri.
The international poetry symposium (Mushaera), featuring renowned poets from abroad and Doha, was presided over by Prof Shahida Hassan and conducted by Ahmad Ashfaque. The other participants included Raquim Azmi, Wasiul Haq Wasi, Maqsood Anwar Maqsood, Dr Nadeem Jilani Danish, Ateeq Anzar (Qatar), Shadab Azmi, Hassan Kazmi, Prof Safdar Imam Quadri, Azm Shakiri (India), Masood Hassas (Kuwait), Khalid Irfan (US), Ali Zariyoun, Ambareen Salahuddin (Pakistan) and Zahoorul Islam Javed (UAE).
The programme was well attended. The audience included dignitaries and heads of many literary and social organisations. BSI patron Prof Sophia Bukhari, Azim Abbas, Abdul Haque and Prof Syed Jawaid Zaidi were among those present. Dr Jilani proposed a vote of thanks.
