Urdu Poetry Collection Launched

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar (BUQ), established in 1959 to promote Urdu language and literature, hosted the launch of the poetry collection Arzoo ka dia by Doha-based poet Samreen Nadeem Samar.
This is her second poetry compilation.
Pakistan ambassador Muhammad Aamer unveiled the book and addressed the audience with a reflection on the richness of Urdu literature.
He spoke of the deep cultural and emotional associations the Urdu language fosters and stressed the role of literature in shaping identity and values, and lauded BUQ's efforts in nurturing it.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Qur'an by Fayaz Bukhari Kamal.
The proceedings were conducted by the noted writer, literary critic and BUQ chairman Dr Faisal Hanif.
He opened the event by reciting a poem by the Urdu maestro Josh Malihabadi, describing the beauty of Urdu language while two of the legend's great granddaughters, daughters of well-known poet and writer Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, were in the audience.
One of the highlights was the essays presented by noted literary figures Shabbar Ali, Rana Anwar Ali, Farzana Safdar, Zeenat Lakhani, Riyaz Ahmed Bakali and Sheraz Ahmed Bakali. Abdul Rahman Nadeem, Prof Ghazanfar Ali and Irshad Ahmed were also present.
A poetic tribute by Manzoor Azmi and Muzaffar Nayab further drew the audiences towards the fine characteristics of Samreen's work.
Dr Faisal Hanif commented on the beauty of poetry and its ability to inspire and uplift. He emphasised the power of imagination in the context of art and specifically how imagination fuels poetry quoting examples of classic Urdu poets including Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, Aatish and many others, enabling poets to create vivid worlds and evoke powerful emotions and the process of engaging readers' imaginations through language and metaphors, making poetry a deeply personal experience. Dr Hanif commended Samreen's poetry, who in turn recited select poems from her book, and gave a brief account of her literary journey and her passion for literature that shaped her poetry.
The first segment of the book launch concluded with an address by Bazm's patron and literary enthusiast Abdul Rahman Nadeem whose support as a spouse has been central to Samreen's literary achievements.
In the mushaira that followed, noted poets Shahzeb Shahab, Shabbar Ali, Farzana Safdar, Samreen Nadeem Samar, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Rana Anwar Ali, Jamshed Ansari, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azmi, Younus Azeem, Zeenat Lakhani, Alok Kumar Srivastava Shaz Jehani, and Sheraz Ahmed Bakali presented their works.
At the end of the programme, Dr Hanif presented a note in English to thank the non-Urdu speaking relatives of the poet. He summarised the programme and offered reflections on the unique sensibilities of Urdu poetry in comparison to English poetry, particularly in its imaginative and emotive capacities.
The event drew a diverse audience from Doha's literary and cultural circles, including Shamsuddin Rahimi, Feroz Khan, Waseem Ahmed, and Afsar Asemi alongside distinguished guests like Mahmood Ahmed, Baber Malik, Haroon Rasheed, Naveed Ahmed, Liaquat Mallick, and Mohammed Jami.
BUQ media secretary Irshad Ahmed proposed a vote of thanks.

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