Stimulating minds: A night of poetry and laughter

Poets gathered at the second Children's Mushaira to showcase their Urdu poems

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani poets presented their poems for children on Wednesday evening at the Children's Mushaira, organised by the monthly Urdu magazine for children 'Sathee', at the Karachi Expo Centre.

Despite starting an hour-and-a-half late, the event was well attended and enjoyable. A tribute was paid to famous children's poet, the Late Abdul Qadir, by a class six student, Irtiza Rizwan, who recited the 'Shararat se Sharafat Tak'.

Poet Tanwir Phool's absence was filled by his grandson, Syed Umer Bin Aziz, an eight-year-old who recited the poem 'Chacha Naha Rahe Hain', which was enjoyed by both children and adults in the audience.



Prof Inayat Ali Khan, a comic poet, said that such literary events are necessary for the mental growth of children. According to Prof Khan, it is the duty of intellectuals to motivate children to learn through such events and only those poets can succeed who know the psychology of children. He explained that colours, birds, animals, flowers and friendship must be the topics for children's poetry, which are things they can relate to. He referred to Sheikh Saadi's books, 'Gulistan' and 'Bostan', when speaking of writing poetry for kids.

"Stories told through poetry carry a great charm," said Prof Khan, after reciting a poem for the children with animal sounds and expressive gestures.

"You have to think like kids in order to write poetry for them," said Manzar Ayubi, before reciting his poem 'School Mujhe Poncha Dey'.

Another poet, Ahmad Hatib Siddiqui, said that these types of literary gatherings play a vital role in the upbringing of children, as poems increase aesthetics and stories develop powers of thinking among children. He read his poem 'Mein Kuch Bhi Keh Na Paya', which described a loyal horse, and his comedic poem 'Yeh Baat Samajh Mein Aye Nahi'. According to him, poetry is more crucial then story telling. Siddiqui said children's activities must be highlighted and appreciated for the grooming of future generations.

Prof Saleem Mughal, who conducted the programme, impressed the audience with his oratory skills and gave brilliant introductions to the poets.

He said only those nations can survive in today's world, whose intellectuals think about their children. "Writing for kids is one of the most difficult tasks, as great poets miserably fail while trying it," said Prof Mughal.

Fasihullah Hussaini, one of the organisers and the editor of Sathee magazine, said, "It was the second time the Children's Mushaira had been held by Sathee magazine. The first was held in 2009".

During the break, representatives of Sathee magazine presented awards to its writers, poets and essayists for their valuable contributions to Urdu literature for children.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2015.