JEDDAH, 17 September 2005 — Poets have mirrored the images of the times. On Thursday, a galaxy of 17 Indian poets lit up the spectrum with the choicest verses on recent issues of concern lending the image which the festival wanted to project. The mushaira organized by the Consulate General of India attracted a large audience. Starting at 9 p.m., it continued until 3.30 a.m. A mild scuffle involving the crowd at the gate and volunteers was the only bad patch in an otherwise pleasant event. Many had to be turned away despite holding passes.
This mushaira, no doubt, was a rendezvous of some of the finest lyricists from India. The poets gave a good account of their prowess. However, some of them were too bookish. The evening started on a low key, and some of the poets who recited their compositions first, failed to get the audience involved. But gradually people literally warmed to the poets.
And it was the septuagenarian and evergreen satirist Saghar Khayyami who lit the spark. He was applauded by the cheering audience as he recited his lines. He provoked an outburst of mirth with his rendition of “Khade dinner mein hum sab aseel lagte hain; pakde rakabi hum sab faqeer lagte hain.”
After Saghar’s recital, the mushaira picked up momentum. Rahat Indori was irrepressible as usual. His “Us aadmi ko bus ek dhun sawar rahti hai; bahut haseen hai duniya ise kharab karo,” was a dig at US President George W. Bush. The only non-Muslim poet, Sheen Kaaf Nizam, also impressed with his “Mazi ki her ek chot ubhar ayee hai; yeh dard meri jaan ka tamannaee hai; aa jao ke ta hadd-e-nazr, tanhayee hai, tanhayee hai, tanhayee hai.”
Nida Fazli came up with some of his old and oft-repeated couplets which made the gathering uncomfortable but then Nida came up with some good poems. His couplet on Saddam Hussain “Usko kho dene ka ahsaas kam baqi hai; jo hua who na hua hota yeh gham baqi hai,” was applauded by the audience.
Waseem Barelvi successfully played with the psyche of the expatriate crowd with his “Mere gaon ki mitti; teri mahak badi albeli hai, tera bholapan; duniya ki sabse badi pahlei hai.” All his couplets were appreciated. A poet, critic and author of eminence, Moghni Tabassum, also captivated the crowd. “Ek-ek per ukharta dekha; zor jungle mein hawa ka dekha; paas ate hue sehra mein door jata hua dariya dekha,” gave a glimpse of his poetic genius.
The mushaira reached its crescendo when Professor Shaharyar, who presided over the event, recited his couplet “Dil mein utrega to poochhega junoon kitna hai; nok-e-khanjar hi batayega ke khoon kitna hai.”
Dr. Malikzada Manzoor added color and elegance to the evening with his compering.
Injustice was done to popular and highly acclaimed Meraj Faizabadi by calling him first to recite his poetry. Professor Muzaffar Hanafi, Zafar Gorakhpuri, Zuber Rizvi, Noorjahan Sarwat, Talib Khundmeri, Shayer Jamali, Hasan Kamal and Siddiqua Shabnam also rendered their compositions.
Earlier, Hifzur Rahman, consul press and information, welcomed the gathering. A book entitled “Shamae Sukhan” and edited and compiled by Hifzur Rahman was released on the occasion. Consul General Ausaf Sayeed in his address highlighted the richness of Urdu language. Two senior Indians, Rafiuddin Fazalbhoy and Hasan Ghias gave mementoes to the poets. The mushaira was organized as part of the ongoing India Festival. The indoor sports events of the festival will be inaugurated today at 7.30 p.m. at the IISJ premises.
