To give vent to poets and poetry enthusiasts, a Mehfil-e-Mushaira (poetry recital) was organised at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) here on Monday.
The initiative was taken by renowned poet and writer Iftikhar Arif who recently joined the Department of Urdu Language and Literature Department of the university, to engage local talent in creative activities.
Over 24 poets of Urdu and Punjabi languages recited their poetry and ghazals receiving plaudit from the audience, mostly young enthusiasts. The Mushaira was presided over by noted humorous poet Anwar Masood and Dr Tauseef Tabassum and Shabnam Shakeel. Prof Anwar Masood mesmerised the audience with his satirical poetry convulsing them with verses based on common themes. “Aaj ki khabrain” “Nak jai mathay utay hunda”, “Pani (water)” “Medicine kay side effects”, “Wapda” and the all-time hit “Bunian” had the audience roaring with laughter and offering standing ovation.
Earlier Dr Abid Sial presented his poems which was applauded by the audience chanting “wah, wah” (plaudit) and “mukarar, mukarar” (again and again). Next up, Ali Ahmed Qamar recited his poem. Manzar Naqvi earned applause from young students and faculty members on his “Aksar sach ko jhooth bana jata hai baaz auqat, Banda thukar kha jata hai baaz auqat”. Jalil Aali’s soft and romantic poem “Idher bhi tuo usay ik din uthani han nigahain, Humay bhi tuo kabhi honay ka hai ehsas hona” was also no less than a treat for the young at heart.
Shabnam Shakeel’s poem “Dukh ka muntar pari hui hun, Mangurbat man bari hui hun; Is man waqt hi zaia huo ga, Jin baton manpari hui hun” was also applauded by the audience. Dr Ahsan Akbar recited his famous poetry “Daabi pod kamaddi”.
Iftikhar Arif also recited some popular poems on the demand of audience. Besides, Samina Siddiqui, Fehmeeda Tabassum, Ali Akbar Natiq, Aftab Zia, Shafiq Asif, Nusrat Masood, Arshad Mehmood Noshad, Arshad Mairaj, Anjum Khaleeq, Khawar Ijaz and others recited their poetry.
Speaking on the occasion, NUML Rector Maj Gen (retd) Masood Hasan said, “It is an honour for the university that such a galaxy of poets have gathered here. He said that this event is a great opportunity for the students and faculty members to learn from literary stalwarts. He presented shields to the poets.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2012.
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