JUBAIL, 14 June 2005 — Indians and Pakistanis gathered together in a mushaira to felicitate renowned Indian Urdu poet and critic Kaleem Ajiz here on Thursday.
The evening highlighted the common bond and roots between Indians and the Pakistanis. Despite political turmoil between the two neighbors in the past, poets and cultural ambassadors of the two countries always strove to look for a common platform to encourage and promote harmony and friendship between the two countries.
Ajiz, who was awarded Padamshree in 1975 by late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been a strong proponent of such unity. In his various poems and literary works he has promoted the idea of cross-border people-to-people contact and literary and cultural exchanges.
The Jubail mushaira, termed as Jashn-e-Kaleem, was one such initiative to foster friendship between the people of the two countries. “The new political environment and the ongoing peace process has given impetus to our efforts,” said Ajiz in his address.
Dr. Wajahat Farooqi, president of the Shamim Jaipuri Memorial Society, said: “Such events not only satisfy our literary pursuit but also reflect our close bond and common literary history.”
The mushaira was attended by Indians and Pakistanis residing in the Eastern Province and 15 poets from the subcontinent and living in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Jubail recited their poems.
Ajiz addressing the proponents of communalism and foes of Indian-Pakistan amity said: “Daman Pe Koi Cheent Na Khanjar Pe Koi Daagh/ Tum Qatl Karo Ho Ki Karamaat Karo Ho.”
Among the prominent poets from the Kingdom were Syed Zulfiqar, Syed Mohammad Tahir Kazmi, Dr. Rashid Fazli, poets Naeem Javed, Sarwat Zaidi Bhopali, Naaz Muzaffarabadi, Dr. Abid Ali, Dr. Aneela Safdar, Ashar Saeed, Dr. Irfan Barnawi, Shaukat Jamal, Dr. Shafiq Nadwi, Syed Abuzafar and Abdul Malik.
Naseem-e-Sehar and Syed Zafar Mehdi came from Jeddah to attend the function. The cultural evening was organized by the Non-Resident Indian Forum of Jubail in cooperation with Shamim Jaipuri Memorial Society.
Dr. Ahmad Khan, Ali Haider, Farooq Patel, Nafis Tarin, Syed Jamal Zaheer, Dr. Suhail Ahmad, Muhammad Shafi and Massood Suhail spoke on the life and work of Dr. Kaleem Ajiz and his place in the history of Urdu literature.
Later Dr. Kaleem Ajiz released two books — “Dast Aras” by Dr. Abid Ali and “Ehsaas Ki Shabnam” by Dr. Irfan Bernawi. Dr. Wajahat Farooqi proposed a vote of thanks and concluded the session with a couplet: “Kuch Is Tarah Say Raho Rooh-e-Gulistan Ban Kar/Tumhare Baad Tumhari Mehek Is Chaman Main Rahe.”
