By Abdus Sattar Ghazali
The Urdu Academy of North America hosted a literary program - Gul Hai Ranga Rang on July 15, 2018. The event was held at the PACC, Milpitas, CA.
This was the first program of the Urdu Academy since October 2017. Tashie Zaheer, President of the Academy in his welcome address revealed that from now on the academy will be able to hold its monthly literary program at the PACC. Tashie Zaheer, who has moved to Arizona, came to the Bay Area especially to attend the program.
Zeeshan Abbasi was MC of the program attended by at least 70 Urdu enthusiasts. The MC gave a brief introduction of the poets whose poetry was recited by the participants.
The event, presided over by Mr. Shah Jahaan, began with one minute silence to remember the late Mertze Dahlin who expired on July 4, 2018 after a long illness. Mr. Dahlin was a very active community member and a fan of the Urdu Academy. To the astonishment of many Mr. Dahlin also learnt Urdu.
There were around two dozen participants who recited and sang poetry of their choice. Faiz Ahmed Faiz was perhaps the most popular.
Tasadduq Attari recited the poetry of Suroor Barabankavi. Hatem Rani of Aamir Amir and Amjad Islam Amjad. Mobeen Khalil sang poetry of Himayat Ali Shair.
Gurbachan Singh Falak amused the audience with his presentation of a poem of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Jawed Umerani presented the poetry of Sufi Tabassum while Asim Bajwa recited the poetry of Parwaz Ambalvi.
Sarwat Jahaan captivated the audience with her melodious presentation of the poetry of Ibn-e-Insha and Amjad Islam Amjad.
Omer Ahmed recited a poem of Himayat Ali Shair while Iftekhar Hye presented the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
Dr. Roohi Asim thrilled the audience with her melodious presentation of a popular ghazal of Momin Khan Momin.
Zafar Naqvi recited Faiz Ahmed Faiz poetry, Khalid Rana recited Iftekhar Arif and Haider Nqvi recited Muzaffar Warsi’s poetry
.
Shahida Malik entertained the audience with singing Behzad Lakhnavi’s poetry.
Asim Wali Khan presented poetry in his unique style.
Muneeba Zeeshan presented the poetry of her father .
Surbhi Kaul mesmerized the audience with her melodious presentation of the poetry of Ahmed Faraz. Sumit Kaul, the mother of Surbhi Kaul entertained the audience with her presentation of poetry.
Almas Shabwani was the last singer. She presented poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mirza Ghalib an Parveen Shakir in her melodious voice.
Tashi Zaheer, President of the Urdu Academy of North America, is a popular poet but he chose to recite the poetry of Naseem Sayed.
Abdus Sattar Ghazali offered vote of thanks and recited poetry of Krishen Bihari Noor.
