BSI organises book release, poetry evening

Bazme Sadaf International (BSI) chairman Shahabuddin Ahmad inaugurated the event and BSI chief patron Hassan Abdul Kareem Chougle presided. Sophia Bukhari was the chief guest, and Prof Syed Jawaid Zaidi and Farida Nisar Ansari, the guests of honour.Bazme Sadaf Doha chapter president Dr Nadeem Jilani Danish welcomed the guests and compered the programme. He gave a brief outline of activities organised last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic challenges. Besides seminars, online and offline poetry symposiums, he mentioned that Bazme Sadaf Urdu Classes started in the memory of the late Sabih Bukhari, who was the chief patron. These classes have been running every week since April 2021 and aims to teach Urdu to English-medium children. An experienced teacher from England is the supervisor.Ahmad recalled how BSI had been at the forefront of aiding people during the pandemic surge in India. He noted that despite Covid-19 seriously hampering events, BSI went on to open new branches in different countries and formed an international women's wing. He cited the first Khaleej Urdu Conference organised by Bazme Sadaf Kuwait Chapter among the many achievements. He also announced that the BSI awards ceremony, which has not been held for the last two years, would be held soon in India.During the programme, the third book of Farida Nisar Ansari, titled 'Hum Qadam', which is her latest collection of Urdu short stories, was also released. The ensuing poetry symposium featured Wasiul Haq Wasi, Farida Nisar Ansari, Dr Nadeem Jilani Danish and Ahmad Ahfaq who recited their ghazals and poems.Chougle paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Bukhari and lauded the initiative of Bazme Sadaf Urdu classes. Sophia Bukhari commended Bazme Sadaf Doha for organising the event and said she would continue the patronage of the organisation which was so dear to her late husband. Prof Javed Zaidi, president BSI educational activities and Farida Nisar Ansari also spoke. Shakeb Ahsan proposed a vote of thanks.