An Evening of inspiring Ghazals and Shayri

Urdu International Australia (UIA) held it’s 7th International Poetry Recital (Mushaira) in Sydney on Sunday August 25, 2019. The event was attended by renowned overseas Urdu poets and a number of local poets.

As in the past years, Mushaira was held at the beautiful Civic Theatre, Hurstville Entertainment Centre, Hurstville with 200 plus select audience in presence.  The Mushaira was chaired by famous Urdu poet from India Janab Khushbeer Singh Shad and Dr Nafas Ambalvi also from India was the Guest of Honour. Other guest poets included Janab Ajmal Mohsin (India), Janab Musaddaq Lakhani (Pakistan), Dr Urfi Hasmi (Pakistan). Renowned poets from Pakistan Janab Qaiser Wajdi and Dr Akhlaq Gillani could not attend the Mushaira due to visa issues.

First session was co-hosted by Dr Yasmin Shad and Mrs Huma Mirza. A young law student Miss Amani Mehmood recited her poem in English. As the tradition goes, Dr Yasmin Shad formally started the program by reciting her poem. She was followed by other local poets Shahid Malak Deewana, Tauqir Hassnain, Mrs Tehmina Rao, Dr Yasmin Zaidi, Mrs Farhat Iqbal, Mr Farogh Zaidi and Mrs Huma Mirza. Ms Rekha Rajvanshi, a famous Hindi poet and President of Indian Literary and Art Society of Australia presented a beautiful poem.

Senior local poets Mrs Kaneez Fatima Kiran, Dr Shabbir Haider, Arif Sadiq, Dr Baqar Raza Moosvi and Ashraf Shad also recited their Ghazals which were fully enjoyed by the audience.

A short break was taken to present UIA awards to members for their contribution. This year the awards were given to Mrs Farhat Haider, Dr Yasmin Zaidi, Mr Iqtedar Abdi, Mrs Saadia Kayani and Mr Shahid Kayani.

Urdu International Australia announced in 2018 that a special literary award  Om Krishan Rahat Yadgiry Award will be presented each year to a distinguished Urdu poet in Australia for his/her literary contribution. The 2019 Om Krishan Rahat Yadgary Award was presented to Dr Baqar Raza Moosvi.

After the awards, guest poet Dr Urfi Hashmi recited his beautiful Gazals. Janab Ajmal Mohsin, a senior poet from Hyderabad, India entertained the audience with his poetry. Janab Musaddaq Lakhani, a famous Urdu poet presented his beautiful Ghazals which were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. He was followed by the Dr Nafas Ambalvi who recited verses from his famous Ghazals. It was noted that he has dedicated his first poetry book in the name of his daughter which includes his famous poem on his daughter as God’s blessing.

Following centuries’ old tradition, the Chair Janab Khushbir Singh Shad recited his poetry at the end. The audience enjoyed his Ghazals with big applaud and clapping. Mr Ashraf Shad thanked the sponsors, media, guest poets, UIA members and specially our patrons and audience for their participation and support.

All guests and  patrons were served with hot drinks and refreshments. It was an inspiring literary evening with a mix of local Urdu writers as well as Urdu stalwarts from abroad that will be remembered for a long time to come.

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