TFD Report
LANHAM: The Aligarh Alumni Association held its 51st annual mushaira Sunday at the Dayanat Center, drawing a full hall of alumni, families and lovers of Urdu poetry. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah served as master of ceremonies. He kept the audience engaged with spontaneous couplets and graceful remarks as he introduced each poet. Poet Sabiha Saba presided over the gathering. Association President Ariena Rashid welcomed guests and poets, saying a mushaira is more than a literary event. "It is a means of keeping alive Aligarh's culture, language and shared heritage," Rashid said. She reaffirmed the association's commitment to the mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, founder of the Aligarh institution. Poets from Pakistan, India and the United States took part. They included Khushbir Singh Shad, Ammar Iqbal, Ambreen Amber Haseeb, Uday Kamat, Manzar Bhopali, Muzaffar Abdali and Ali Meenai. Local poets Muhammad Jaweed, Muhammad Akbar, Razi Raziuddin and Sabiha Saba also recited their poetry. The ghazals and nazms touched on love, separation from the homeland, cultural heritage, human values and contemporary political issues. The audience responded warmly, repeatedly asking for more from Shad, Iqbal, Haseeb, Abdali and Bhopali. The participation of younger poets drew particular appreciation, raising hopes that Urdu poetry will thrive among future generations. The program ran from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. In closing remarks, Rashid thanked the poets, guests, patrons and audience, and singled out the volunteers whose efforts made the event a success. Attendees described the gathering as one of the best mushairas in recent years and said they look forward to next year's edition.
