Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Indian Social and Cultural Forum (SISCF) is planning an Aalami (International) Mushaira (poetic gatherings) before the holy month of Ramadan which, tentatively begins on April 24.

This was announced by the SISCF chief Osman Yeslam Bin Mahfooz.

Mushaira is a poetic gathering which reflects the subcontinent’s cultural heritage. It is an event where poets express their thoughts and creations through couplets.

A core committee has been formed for the event which consists of Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Mirza Qudrat Nawaz Baig, Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui, Mohammed Shameem Kausar, Syed Khaja Viqaruddin Moin Khan, Munawwar Khan and Sajid Moihuddin.

At its first meeting here recently, the core committee decided to invite renowned poets from India and that an auditorium will be the venue of the event.

The SISCF said with the Saudi Vision 2030, launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, has consolidated the approach of coexistence, peace and amity between various cultures and nationalities.

The Mushaira is part of the Vision 2030 as it will be helpful in disseminating the message of unity and brotherhood.

The event is planned to be a non-commercial and non-profit and open to only families.

Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood said the Mushaira will definitely win the hearts of Indian community in Jeddah.

Jeddah has always been the hub of international Mushaira, where legendary poets had in the past mesmerized audiences, Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui said.

Aijaz Ahmed Khan said that the Indian community in Jeddah is very much fond of attending poetic sessions, hence we have decided to organize an event for their entertainment. “I also would like to thank Osman Bin Mahfooz for including me in the core committee of the Mushaira and I shall give him full support from my side in making the event successful.

“Poetry is the food of everyone’s soul,” Mirza Qudrat Nawaz Baig said. “Urdu Mushaira (poetic gatherings) have enriched Indian culture and even non-Urdu speaking people love them. Mushairas offer an opportunity to the poets to highlight problems of the people and to bring different cultures together. This international Mushaira will be successful and will be considered as one of the best poetic events in the history of Jeddah as top Urdu poets from India will be participating.

Moin Khan said: “It’s a matter of great pride and satisfaction for SISCF and its team for organizing this important literary event.” Through these poetic gatherings “we aim to spread the message of love and peace,” he said.

Mohammed Shameem Kausar and Syed Viquaruddin in their joint message said that this Mushaira will showcase the vibrant colors of ghazals and the traditional genre of Urdu poetry. "Our Urdu literature is progressing but Urdu language seems to be stagnant. The Urdu audience are present in Jeddah, but their great number cannot take language to the great heights. Languages depend on readership and their daily use by the common people. Hence by organizing Mushaira, we will be promoting the Urdu language.”

Sajid Mohiuddin said that the Mushaira will be broadcasted live on social media platforms and will be watched all over the world.