Urdu lovers honor Indian poet who died young

A poetry collection in Urdu entitled “Shah Kar” by young poet Ashhar Nadeemi from the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, was released at a ceremony organized by Tanzeem Hum Hindustani (THH), an Indian cultural and social organization in Riyadh. Nadeemi died recently.
Akhtarul Islam Siddiqui, president of the Middle East Non-Resident Indian Association, and Abdul Rahman Saleem, president of Hindustani Bazm-e-Urdu, were the guests of honor. Himayat Ali Khan, a poet from the Indian city of Aurangabad, was the special guest.
Tanzeem President Mohammed Quaiser unveiled the book and shed light on poetry in its old and modern forms. He said Nadeemi excelled in all forms.
Mir Liaquat Ali Hashmi, general secretary of THH, welcomed the audience and anchored the event. Anzer Ali recited some couplets from the book.
Akhtarul Islam Siddiqui said Urdu speakers should act to protect their language because the new generation was not learning it.
“Urdu is a very sweet and impressive language, which has played a major role in India’s freedom struggle,” he said. He urged Urdu lovers to see their children are taught the language.
Saleem reviewed the history of Urdu since its inception in the 11th century and Khan recited his poem on the dowry system.
The THH announced a special “Tamgha-e-Adab 2013” honor posthumously for Nadeemi, which was received by his brother Anzar Ali.
The ceremony began with a recitation from the Qur’an by Mohammed Wasiuddin Aslam.
Mohammed Naqiuddin Akram presented the vote of thanks.