The second day of the 16th International Urdu Conference, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, unfolded with a multitude of insightful sessions.
The day commenced with the session “Urdu Novel K Musha’heer,” featuring discussions on the contributions of literary giants such as Khalid Akhtar, Banu Qudsia, Abdullah Hussain, Shams ur Rehman Farooqi, Qurratulain Hyder, and Shaukat Siddiqui. Eminent personalities including Mirza Athar Baig, Kashif Raza, Akhtar Raza Saleemi, Zia-ul-Hassan, Muhammad Hameed Shahid, Najeeba Aarif, and Mahmood Shaam shared their perspectives.
Under the title “Eminent Urdu Poets,” another session delved into the lives and works of past luminaries like Meera G, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Noon Meem Rashid. Presided by Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqi and Kishwar Naheed, the panelists included Nasir Abbas Nayyar and Tanveer Anjum.
The session on “Taqdeesi Adab k Musha’heer” paid homage to “Naat and Hamd” writers like Hameed Asadi, Ahmed Raza Khan Barelvi, Zafar Ali Khan and others. Speakers, including Azeez Ahsan, Abid Rasheed, and Shakeel Khan, honored the enduring impact of these writers on the world of Sacred poetry.
“Yorkshire Adabi Forum” celebrated Mohsin Israr for his work “Aitraaf e Kamaal,” while “London Urdu Voice” brought attention to Shahbaz Khawaja’s book “Gureez” under the presidency of poet Iftikhar Arif. “Punjabi Adab K Mushaheer” engaged in a conversation about celebrated Punjabi writers and poets like Amrita Pritam, Muneer Niazi, and others, adding diversity to the literary discourse.
While, “Shakeel Adil Zada ka Nigaar Khana” explored the famed Urdu digest “Sab Rang,” with panelists Anwar Shaur, Hashim Nadeem, and session president Ikhlaq Ahmed discussing the art of storytelling.
A session with the Council General of UAE, Bakhet Ateeq ul Rometi, delved into economic and cultural ties between UAE and Pakistan, emphasizing youth collaboration. The Arts Council’s president, Ahmed Shah, presided over the session, expressing gratitude for the youth’s active participation.
A special session with literary figure Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, hosted by Absa Komal, highlighted the importance of owning one’s language and ideology. Dr. Zehra encouraged senior citizens to find happiness amidst life’s challenges.
The session “Kia Sheher Tha, Kia Log The” reminisced about Karachi’s literary glory, paying tribute to personalities that shaped the city post-Partition.
In another noteworthy session, the renowned Indian journalist Saeed Naqvi unveiled his book titled “Musalman Laa Pata Hogae.” Irfan Aziz translated the drama, which reflects Indian secularism and the plight of Muslims living there. Journalists Wusatullah Khan and Sohail Warraich were part of the discussion, and Mazhar Abbas moderated the session. The drama’s author, Saeed Naqvi, participated online from India. On this occasion, senior journalist Sohail Warraich commented, that Saeed Naqvi’s drama encompasses the entire history of Muslims, including music, and culture, all in one play. During the conversation with Saeed Naqvi, senior journalist Wusatullah Khan remarked, ” Saeed Naqvi made a very humane effort, but I understand that this script is not new for us; we have lived and written it ourselves.
The second day came to a delightful close with a captivating Urdu Mushaira, featuring internationally celebrated poets like Abbas Tabish, Umer Najmi, Nasira Zuberi, and more. Their enchanting verses won the hearts of the audience. Adding to the charm of the event was the presence of Governor Sindh, Kamran Tessori, making it even more special.
The conference, featuring diverse discussions, will conclude on December 3, 2023.
