Ghalib remembered on anniversary

LAHORE: In order to pay tribute to one of the most famous and influential poet of Urdu and Persian Mirza Ghalib, on his 150th death anniversary, the Urdu department of Government MAO College organised a seminar titled ‘Ghalib’.

Acclaimed poet Amjad Islam Amjad, writer Asghar Nadeem; and academicians including Dr Zia-ul-Hassan, Dr Saadat Saeed, Dr Fakhar-ul-Haq Noori and MAO College Principal Prof Dr Farhan Ebadat Yar Khan spoke at the event.

Amjad said even today's man could understand his world through Ghalib’s eyes and seek answers to his problems through Ghalib’s literary work. Dr Zia said Ghalib’s poetry encapsulated the concept of “Ishq” which in essence meet purity and holiness unlike the meaning of Ishq society generally held. He said Ishq frees us from greed and self-indulgence. The best way to know the 19th century culture is through Ghalib’s poetry and letters, he added.

Asghar said Ghalib and Manto were the only literary figures who have been made theme of many feature films and drama series because of diversity and dynamism of their personalities. Dr Fakhar said Ghalib’s work showcased excellence in imagery and spiritualism and was a source of inspiration for today’s writers.

He said the college was proud of the fact that it was the only educational institution where Ghalib’s death anniversary was being celebrated. He said professors from Punjab University and Government College University were speaking about Ghalib from the platform of Govt MAO College. He said the seminar was an indication of a positive and visible change in the history of the college where literary, social and scientific seminars were being conducted on regular basis.