Hyderabad is a center of Civilization. A lot of service has been done for the promotion of Urdu in this city. Mr. Justice Markandey Katju expressed these thoughts while addressing a gathering of All India Mushaira conducted by Urdu Heritage Caravan in collaboration with the Govt. of AP and Siasat Urdu Daily.
Speaking on this occasion, Justice Katju said that India is a country of refugees where people from different parts of the world came and settled down. He told that Urdu is an Indian language. He said that this caravan is campaigning not only for the preservation of Urdu but for Sanskrit also. He further told that the preservation of Urdu language tantamount to preservation of India Civilization. It is essential to preserve these languages.
He told that there was a time when India was a paradise for agricultural activities and hence people used to come to this country.
Earlier, Prof. S.A. Shukoor, Director of Urdu Academy welcomed the guests and audience Mr. Aasif Azami, Convenor of All India Mushaira told that this caravan has already toured four states. He also said that awards have been instituted in the name of Dr. Kailash Nath Katju, who was the grandfather of Justice Katju. He informed that during the sessions of Urdu Heritage Caravan these awards are given to those who have contributed to the cause of Urdu.
In Hyderabad, this award has been given to Mr. Ramoji Rao who started the first Urdu channel of ETV. Mr. Ramoji Rao’s son, Mr. Ch. Karan received this award on behalf of his father. These awards have also been given to poet and film lyricist, Mr. Nida Fazili and Mr. Munawar Rana, the noted Urdu poet from Calcutta.
Mr. Mansoor Osmani conducted Mushaira. A large number of Urdu lovers attended Mushaira Prominent among them are Mr. Farooq Hussain, MLC, Mr. Akun Sabharwal, Director of National Police Academy, Mr. Anees Rahmani, IAS (Rtd), Mr. Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Managing Editor of Siasat Urdu Daily, Mr. Amer Ali Khan, News Editor of Siasat Urdu Daily, Mr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin Quadri alias Mr. Hamid Quadri, Mr. Inamur Rahman Ghuyur, Mr. Ali Masquathi, Mr. Khaleeq Ur Rahman, Ms. S.K. Afzaluddin, former Vice Chairman of AP Urdu Academy.
A large number of the members of Press Council of India also attended the Mushaira. The Mushaira commenced with the recitation of an Urdu Ghazal by Ms. Tasneem Jowhar. Mr. Aqueel Nomani also presented a Ghazal. Mr. Manzar Bhopali, Mr. Munawar Rana and Mr. Nida Fazili kept the audience spell bound by their poems. They received tremendous applause from the public. One of his ghazals rendered by Mr. Manzar Bhopali in his melodious tone was very much appreciated by Urdu lovers when he said,
Betiyan Hoti Hain Pur Noor Chiraghoun Ki Tarah
Roshni Karti Hain Jis Ghar Chali Jati Hain
[ Daughters are like the brilliant lamps
They lit the houses they go ]
This couplet speaks of the sanctity of daughters. He recited another couplet.
Fatima Zohra Ki Taazeem Ko Uth Tay Thay Rasool
Mohtaram Betiyan Is Wasthay Kahlathi Hain
[ Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to get up to pay respects to his daughter Fatima Zohra
Daughters are respected with this association]
Mr. Manzar Bhopali referred to the communal elements in a harsh tone when he said,
Duniya Main Jo Nafrath Ki Chalatain Hain Hawayen
Kyon Zinda Hain Woh Log Guzar Kyon Nahoon Jathay
[ Those who blow communal airs of hatred
why are they alive, why don’t they pass away? ]
This couplet received tremendous applause from the audience.
In the same way, famous Urdu poet from Kolkatta, Mr. Munawar Rana cast satire on the present political scenario. He also advised the youngsters through his couplets to highlight our civilization and also to respect our elders. When he recited this couplet, the audience could not control their emotions.
Aur Kuch Roze Yun He Bojh Uthalo Baitay
Chal Diye Hum to Muyassar Naheen Aatay
[ My son, bear this burden for a few more days
When we pass away, we won’t be available]
He also depicted his loyalty to the country by saying,
Mujhe Apni Wafadari Pe Koyi Shak Naheen Hota
Main Khoon Mila Deta Hoon Jab Jhanda Banata Hoon
[ I don’t suspect at all my loyalty
I mix up my blood when I paint the flag]
Padmashri, Nida Fazili also swept a lot of applause from the audience when he recited this couplet to oppose communalism.
Koi, Hindu, Koi Muslim, Koi Eisayi Hai
Sab Nay Insan Na Banne Ki Qasam Khayi Hai
[ Some are Hindus, Some Muslims and Some Christians
Everyone has taken an oath that he won’t be a human being ]
Mr. Mansoor Osmani fired the arrows of satire through his couplets to depict the social realities. While mentioning the height of atrocity he said,
Voh Zulm Bhi Is Daur Kay Insaan Pe Huwa Hai
Jis Zulm Ko Likhnay Mein Qalam Toot Rahay Hain
[ That atrocities has been meted out to human being
To write it, pen is getting broken ]
He also got a lot of applause on one of his other couplet when he said,
Chorh Kar Zikr Mera Chap Diya Hai Sub Kuch
Ab Is Shaher Kay Akhbaar Say Kya Chahtay Ho?
[ Everything published leaving mentioning me
What more do you want from the newspaper of this city? ]
Mr. Qasim Imam also presented best ghazals. Remembering Nusrath Mohiuddin, he paid tribute to him by saying,
Munsif Nay Ankhoun Pe Kaali Patti Bandhi Hai
Aur Qatil Nay Bhi Souch Liya Hai Ab Sharmana Kaisa
[ The judge has tied the black bandage on his eyes
The assassin has also determined why to feel shy ]
Mr. Aseer Umeedi, Mr. Rajesh Reddy, Mr. Raoof Khair, Mr. Asar Ghouri and other poets also recited their poems.
People tremendously applauded the message Mr. Rajesh Reddy presented through his poem when he said,
Ab To Saraab He Say Bujhane Lage Hain Pyaas
Lenay Lage Hain Kaam Yaqeen Ka Guman Say Hum
[ Now we have started fulfilling our thirst with mirage
We have started taking the work of certainty with presumption ]
He also recited various other couplets which received tremendous applause from the public. Mr. Iqbal Shaana from Nizamabad rendered his couplets full of humour and satire which people appreciated very much.
——Siasat News