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By Syed Mussarat Khalil
JEDDAH — Aalami Urdu Markaz (AUM), a well known literary platform of intellectuals, journalists, poets and writers in the Western region of the Kingdom, lauded the poetry, literary works and the personality of Naeem Bazidpuri in an evening titled “Jashn-e-Aizaz” organized at Lasani restaurant Madinah Road on Friday.
Bazidpuri is a renowned Pakistani literary legend, distinguished poet and an amiable personality delving in literature and has been living in the Kingdom for more than three decades. He is associated with the first Urdu daily of Saudi Arabia ‘Urdu News’ since 1994.
Tarek Abdul Hameed Mishkhas, editor in chief of Urdu News, presided over the gathering. Senior educationist and a noted figure from the subcontinent community Zia Abdullah Abbas Nadvi was the chief guest.
Pakistan’s former Federal Minister of Housing Planning and Public Works Choudhry Shahbaz Hussain and Masood Ahmed Puri, president Kashmir Committee Jeddah, were the guests of honors.
A large number of Urdu language lovers from Saudi, Indian and Pakistani communities were in attendance.
In his address, Mishkhas praised Bazidpuri’s poetry and literary contributions while embellishing on Bazidpuri the person with whom he has worked with and still working.
He said, “Bazidpuri has the ability to write poems at anytime, and would deliver one when you asked him. I recollect his penmanship for he responded to my request on the spot. When Benazir Bhutto was assassinated I spoke to him and asked of him to write a poem on Benazir Bhutto for the supplement in 10 minutes and he wrote it within the time I had allotted him, and I salute him for that.”
The audience burst out in a loud ‘awww’ when he spoke these two sentences in Urdu “Naeem is Bohat Mumtaz Aadmi” (good person) and “Bohat Mumtaz Shayar (good poet).
He thanked AUM for honoring him at such an attractive literary gathering. He lauded the initiative taken by AUM to honor poets and the people who have contributed to promote the Urdu language. He said, it is an additional service of AUM for the Urdu community of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Saudi Gazette on the occasion, Nadvi also appreciated the initiative of AUM and said it is a great honor that AUM chose first Naeem Bazidpuri, who is admired by poetry lovers, to honor.
Ather Nafees Abbasi, president AUM, thanked all for attending and gave a brief introduction of the organization.
Bazidpuri spoke briefly thanking AUM and the guests. He recited few ghazals and poems from his collection of poetry.
The program began with recitation of few verses from the Holy Qur’an by Qari Mohammed Asif. Naat was rendered by Sher Afzal, and Nawaz Janjua presented some famous poems of Bazidpuri.
Aamir Khursheed Rizvi, vice president and chairman Majlis-e-Iqbal, delivered the welcome address.
Zamurrad Saifi, read out the article sent by Naseem-e-Saher from Pakistan. Scholar Fiza-ur-Rehman, writer and broadcaster of Urdu service Saudi Radio Jeddah, Dr. Mohammed Laiq Ullah Khan and journalist Shahzad Azam read out comprehensive papers and poets Faisal Tufail and Shoukat Jamal from Riyadh recited their poems on Bazidpuri.
Hamid-ul-Islam Khan, general secretary, conducted the proceedings. Khalid Qidwai made prayers for all Muslims. Bouquet of flowers, shield and tradition Sindhi Ajrak were presented to Bazidpuri.
