'Mir's poetry and our era'

Arts Council hosts literary event

KARACHI:

Arts Council of Pakistan commemorated the enduring legacy of Mir Taqi Mir with a literary event titled "Mir Sahib's Poetry and Our Era" at Haseena Moin Hall.

The session was presided over by the acclaimed poetess Zehra Nigah, with a keynote address by Dr Zia-ul-Hasan. The program drew a large gathering of scholars, writers, and cultural personalities, including President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Prof. Sahar Ansari, Dr Fatima Hasan, Amjad Hussain Shah, Syed Kashif Raza, A.H. Khanzada, Nasira Zuberi, among others.

In her presidential address, Zehra Nigah remarked In this age of artificial intelligence, where do Mir and Iqbal stand? I often tell Ahmed Shah that we must also hold discussions on our classical poets so that new generations can recognize their greatness. As Firaq rightly said, every poet carries Mir within his heart, though many fear to express it due to weaknesses of temperament. Mir's poetry is pure, free of superficiality, and born of true passion. His father once advised him to devote his life to love, the kind of love that transforms the lover and beloved into Creator and creation. Without that counsel, Mir's life might have taken a different course. She concluded her speech by reciting Mir's verses, receiving warm applause from the audience.

President Muhammad Ahmed Shah called Zehra Nigah the pride of literature, adding, I have learned much from her. I am also grateful to Dr Zia-ul-Hasan, who has been with us since the very first International Urdu Conference. There was once a golden age when towering figures such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Bulleh Shah and Mir Taqi Mir were born across vast regions. The Arts Council also plans to organize programs on Mirza Rafi Sauda and other greats of our classical tradition.

Delivering a detailed talk, Dr Zia-ul-Hasan said that the Reading Mir feels like listening to the voice of our own hearts. He used everyday images, objects, and metaphors to reflect universal truths. Poetry that makes us truly human often embarrasses us when we read it aloud, yet Mir spoke it openly three hundred years ago, and it still feels fresh today. The mark of great poetry is its freshness, even as its meanings evolve.

To me, poetry is like a displeased beloved, difficult yet irresistible. Mir's poetry embodies an entire civilization, with its traditions, beauty, and respect. He added that to fully understand poetry, one must read Mir, Ghalib, and Iqbal. Mir taught us how to speak; his style cannot be that of Ghalib, nor Ghalib's that of Iqbal. In earlier times, every age had one or two 'others' — now everything feels estranged. Love, however, always teaches us to serve humanity.

Mir's verses carry a magnetic pull. He reminds us that the heart is not merely flesh but a universe in itself. Even today, his poetry has the power to change us. Dr Zia recited selected verses of Mir in his inimitable style, which were warmly received by the audience.

Prof. Sahar Ansari also presented Mir's selected poetry, while Huma Jafri performed Mir's ghazal "Aa ke sajjada nasheen" in song, enchanting the hall.

The program concluded with President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presenting floral tributes to Zehra Nigah and Dr Zia-ul-Hasan in appreciation of their contributions.