Karachi: In a bid to honor the timeless contributions of Mir Taqi Mir to Urdu literature, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organized a compelling literary gathering titled “Mir Sahib’s Poetry and Our Era” at Haseena Moin Hall. The event, presided over by the esteemed poetess Zehra Nigah, featured a keynote address by Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan and attracted a large audience of intellectuals, writers, and cultural figures.
During her presidential address, Zehra Nigah posed a thought-provoking question about the relevance of classical poets like Mir and Iqbal in today’s technologically advanced era. She emphasized the importance of engaging with classical poetry to help new generations appreciate its profundity. Highlighting Mir’s unique poetic style, she noted his father’s advice to embrace love, which profoundly shaped his life and work. Her recitation of Mir’s verses earned enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, lauded Zehra Nigah as a literary icon and expressed gratitude to Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan for his ongoing support. Shah underscored the historical significance of poets like Mir, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, and Bulleh Shah and announced plans to host future events celebrating other classical poets.
Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan, in his address, described Mir’s poetry as a reflection of universal truths through everyday imagery. He praised the enduring freshness of Mir’s work and its ability to evoke deep emotion and introspection. By drawing parallels with other legendary poets like Ghalib and Iqbal, he highlighted the distinctive qualities of Mir’s style. Dr. Zia’s reading of Mir’s verses resonated with the audience, reaffirming the poet’s lasting impact on literature.
The program also featured Prof. Sahar Ansari’s presentation of selected poetry by Mir, and Huma Jafri’s soulful rendition of Mir’s ghazal “Aa ke sajjada nasheen”. The gathering concluded with Muhammad Ahmed Shah presenting floral tributes to Zehra Nigah and Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan, acknowledging their significant contributions to the literary world.