Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association organise online Mushaira

Aligarh: The coronavirus pandemic has forced people to stay indoors, but the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association (AMUAAQ) made sure that poets recite their metrical compositions through a virtual Mushaira (poetic symposium).

Attending the online Mushaira as the Chief Guest, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor said that poetic symposiums are cultural events with mannerism and decorum, which teach the language and craft of poetry to the younger generations.

“The Covid 19 outbreak has disrupted regular gatherings and events but people have turned to the digital world to stay connected and these online events have become the new norm till the virus fades away,” added the Vice Chancellor.

He also thanked the alumni groups for generously supporting the development work in the University.

Prof M M Sufyan Beg (Chairman, AMU Alumni Affairs Committee) requested the alumni to give their details for the ‘AMU Alumni Directory’, while expressing happiness to be part of the event.

Prof Najmul Islam (Hony. Secretary, AMU Teachers Association) and Dr M Kalimullah (Joint Secretary, AMUTA) spoke on the mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and on the importance of cultural activities.

Dr MS Bukhari (Chief Patron, AMUAAQ) requested all AMU alumni to work towards the benefit of their alma mater.

Mr Basir Sultan Kazmi (Sadr-e-Mushaira, famous Poet and writer) and Mr Shahabuddin Ahmad (Chairman, Bazm-e-Sadaf International) pointed out that the online event has managed to maintain the ambience of classical Mushaira gatherings.

In the welcome address, Mr Jawed Ahmad (President, AMUAAQ) said that it is important to use technology for continuing our literary activities as people may be observing physical distancing but they are virtually together.

He also spoke about AMUAAQ’s efforts on supporting the pandemic hit people in India through food drive campaigns and extending help to Indians willing to return back home after the coronavirus outbreak under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ among other things.

Almost 3000 people attended the online Mushaira in which well known poets like Basir Sultan Kazmi, Hasan Kazmi, Safdar Imam Quadri, Javed Danish, Iftekhar Ahmad, Saif Bader, Maqsood Anwer, Ahmad Ashfaque, Aleena Itrat, Ishrat Moin Seema, Dr Nadeem Jilani, Johny Foster, Wasif Farooqui, Dr Zahidul Haque, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Ehya Bhojpuri and Aslam Noor Aslam recited their verses.

Some of the prominent alumni, who attended the online event were Shahabuddin Ahmad (Chairman, Bazm E Sadaf), Tanvir Ahmad (President, AMU Alumni New York), Fasiullah Khan (President, AMU Alumni Delhi/NCR), Syed Mohammad Mutayyab (President AMU Alumni, Riyadh), Pushkin Agha (Vertex, UAE), Irfan Mohammad Khan (President, AMU Alumni Kuwait), Sarosh Karim (USA), Prof Shahin Usmani (Advisor ? International AMU alumni affairs committee, New York), Mohammed Nasir (Faculty Member, AMU), Aftab Pathan (President AMU Alumni, Western UP), Khalid Rizvi (President AMA-UK), Satyendra Pathak (QT), S A M Basheer (President, KMCC-Qatar), Prof Javaid Zaidi (Qatar University), Ibraiz Khan (President KMCA) and Rasheed Chisti.

Mr Mohammed Faisal Naseem (VP-AMUAAQ) extended the vote of thanks.