An evening to remember

For lovers of Urdu poetry in the capital city, ‘Sham-e-Akhter Usman’ proved to be a memorable one. The poetry fans were once again treated to a delightful evening. ‘Sada-e-Sukhan’ audience was ecstatic listening to the wonderful poetry.

The event was arranged by the well-known literary organization ‘Sada-e-Sukhan’ in collaboration with the National Press Club.

The poets from Canada and Portugal rubbed shoulders with the poets from Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Jawad Sheikh from Portugal and NPC vice-president Sadia Kamal were guests of honor.

The evening was presided over by a famous Urdu/Hindko poet and critic Manzar Naqvi and the evening was skilfully moderated by Shahid Nasim and Chairman Sada-e-Sukhan M A Doshi respectively.

Shahid Nasim briefly apprised the gathering about the aims of Sada-e-Sukhan, and the personalities of ‘Sadr-e-Mushaira’, Manzar Naqvi and ‘Sahib-e-Shaam’, Akhter Usman.

Mr. Doshi’s golden touch has been a key factor in making the ambiance and effect of these evenings memorable.

‘Sada-e-Sukhan’ has been in the forefront of organizing high-quality literary activities. In recognition of Akhter Usman’s innovative approach and his dedicated services to Urdu poetry, Chairman ‘Sada-e-Sukhan’ M A Doshi gave ‘Sukhan Award 2019’ to ‘Sahib-e-Shaam’.

As ‘Mushairas’ tradition dictated M A Doshi presented his ‘kalam’ first. Subsequently renowned poets such as Manzar Naqvi, Akhter Usman, Jawad sheikh, Tayyab Reza, Saghir Anwer, Jehangir Imran, Saghir Aslam, Shehzad Azhar, Talib Husain, Nadia Ambar Lodhi, Maryam Motiwala, Dr. Asad Naqvi entertained the audience with their poetry gems.

All the poets presented exceptionally fine poetry, especially Manzar Naqvi, and Akhter Usman, who were very impressive.

‘Sahib-e-Shaam’, Akhter Usman terming the evening as exceptional lauded M A Doshi and other organizers of the event for honoring him with ‘Sukhan Award 2019’.

‘Sadr-e-Mushaira’ Manzar Naqvi said he feels proud of presiding over ‘Sham-e-Akhter Usman’. Lovers of Akhter Usman are on the rise on daily basis and it is verified by the fact that the existing seats in the hall have run short for the audience.

At the end, M A Doshi welcoming the audience, NPC administration, journalists and media partners of Sada-e-Sukhan extended special thanks to all of them.

Some excerpts from Akhter Usman’s poetry:

Yeh kayaynaat meray samnay hai mislay basat

Kheen Janoon mein ulat doun na es jahan ko main

Shaam ayay aur ghar kay leeya dil machal uthay

Shaam aayay aur dil kay leeyay koi ghat na ho

Abhi tu par bhi naheen tolta uraan ko main

Bila jawaz khatkta houn aasman ko main

Mafahmat na sikha dushmanoun se aay salaar

Teri tatf na kaheem mor doun Kaman ko main

Naheen kabool mujay koi bhi nai hijrat

Kataoun keyoun kisi balway mein khandaan ko main

Waqt ab dastras mein hai Akhter

Ab tu main jis Jehan tak ho aaoun