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Journalism of Courage
Mushaira offers platform to poets from India, Pakistan
In what may be called a poetic exploration of social issues, poets and artists from Pakistan expressed their thoughts at the Indo-Pak mushaira organised jointly by Saajhi Duniya and Indian People Theatre Association IPTA here in Lucknow on Tuesday.
With representatives from both sides of the border present, politicking marred the poetry session. Introductory speeches by the hosts were full of praises and hopes for the guest country while Pak representatives highlighted the positives of India.
The poetry session began with painter from Pakistan Nilofer Zaidi turning a modern-day Shaira and reciting her verses. It was followed by some felicitous, colourful and cadenced utterances by poets from Pakistan. Ali Baba 8216;Taj8217; opened his heart and presented verses on different issues.
Anjum Saleni, Jahangir Iqbal and Mohammad Akram also presented their poetical creations revolving around peace and brotherhood among different countries.
Rehana Kazmi, a painter dubbed the present generation as 8220;wiser8221; and said days of politicians ruling the roost are far from over. 8220;Public is empowered enough to decide what is good for society,8221; she concluded.
Baby Fariha Akram the youngest member of the group remained the centre of attraction. A budding classical singer, Fariha, is sitting with offers from Indian television channels, claims his father Mohd Akram, also a musician.
Unfortunately, in the absence of supporting musicians, Fariha could not exhibit her talent during the programme.
From the organisers8217; side Jasbir Singh 8216;Shad8217;, a veteran visitor to Pakistan was asked to play the convener. He however excused himself on the ground that he was not familiar with the guests though he had been to poetic symposiums in Pakistan a number of times.
In sardonic humour, he listed famous poets from across the border and hoped 8220;guests8221; lived up to the reputation when they present their 8220;qalaams8221;. The limited audience exhibited tehzeeb as they listened and applauded the poetry. Roop Rekha Verma, secretary, Saajhi Duniya, advocated tolerance while proposing the vote of thanks. Local representatives present included Dr Ali Ashfaq, Irfan, Naresh Saxena and Nawab Abdullah Meer Jafar. On Wednesday, an exhibition of paintings and a discussion on human rights movements in India and Pakistan would be organised.
