A dignified mushaira was organised on Friday evening under the auspices of the literary organisation Aalami Urdu Mihwar Riyadh (AAM), dedicated to the promotion of quality Urdu literature. The event was hosted by Engineer Syed Ghufran Ahmed, a member of the organisation’s patron committee, at the hall of Delight Restaurant in Riyadh.

The gathering was presided over by noted academic and social personality Muhammad Zaigham Khan. Renowned personality Abdul Ahad Siddiqui attended as the chief guest, while literature enthusiast Dr. Anwar Khursheed graced the occasion as the guest of honour. The proceedings were conducted by poet Siraj Alam Zakhmi.

Host Ghufran Ahmed, along with the office-bearers of AAM, especially its president and noted poet Iftikhar Raghib, invited selected literary personalities from Riyadh, making the evening memorable for Urdu lovers.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Mansoor Qasmi. Bouquets were presented to the president of the gathering, the chief guest, the guest of honour and the host by AAM officials Iftikhar Raghib, Mansoor Qasmi, Abdul Rahman Rashid and Hassan Arifi.

In his welcome address, Iftikhar Raghib greeted the distinguished guests, representatives of various organisations, participating poets and members of the audience. He also highlighted the aims and objectives of AAM and briefly outlined the organisation’s upcoming literary programmes.

Poets from Riyadh who presented their selected poetry included Iftikhar Raghib, Zafar Mahmood Zafar, Saleem Kawish, Peer Asad Kamal, Hassan Arifi, Tahir Bilal, Siraj Alam Zakhmi, Awwal Sangrampuri, Mansoor Qasmi, Saeed Akhtar Azmi and Abdul Rahman Rashid Umri.

Speaking on the occasion, guest of honour Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed said Urdu is not merely a language but a reflection of culture and civilisation. He described Urdu as a valuable heritage and stressed the need to preserve and promote it for future generations.

Chief guest Abdul Ahad Siddiqui began his remarks with verses from Hafeez Jaunpuri and said he had the opportunity to attend such a fine mushaira after a long time. He congratulated both the poets and the audience for making the evening successful.

Presiding over the gathering, Muhammad Zaigham Khan said the event was not only a celebration of poetry but also an expression of emotions and sentiments. He added that the successful gathering reflected the enduring strength of Urdu as a language that continues to bridge hearts and bring people together.

Former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Old Boys Association Riyadh and host of the event, Engineer Syed Ghufran Ahmed, thanked all the poets and attendees for their participation. He praised the poets of Riyadh for presenting quality poetry and expressed hope that larger mushairas would be organised in the future, Insha’Allah, to further promote and preserve Urdu language and literature.

The literary gathering concluded with a vote of thanks.