The Indian Panorama

Tag: AAA-DC

  • Bridging Heritage and Harmony: AAA-DC’s 49th International Mushaira

    Bridging Heritage and Harmony: AAA-DC’s 49th International Mushaira

    MARYLAND (TIP): The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro Washington (AAA-DC) hosted its 49th annual International Mushaira on October 20, 2024, in the spacious auditorium of Gaithersburg, Maryland. This celebrated event featured the distinguished poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, recipient of the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India and a former Member of India’s Parliament. Other esteemed poets who shared their work included Abdullah Abdullah, Ahmad Salman, Ashfaq Hussain, Masood Ahmad, Mohammed Jaweed, Nikhat Iftikhar, Nusrat Mehdi, Sabiha Saba, Shakeel Azmi, and Vinita Tiwari.

    Another view of the gathering

    Over the years, AAA-DC’s Mushaira has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition for the South Asian diaspora in the Washington area, serving as a bridge to linguistic and literary heritage. The event fosters a dynamic exchange where renowned poets perform alongside emerging voices, sustaining the vibrancy of Urdu poetry. Originally conceived to celebrate Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) legacy in Urdu literature, it now draws a global audience, inviting Urdu poetry lovers to savor the beauty of ghazals and nazms.

    Book launching

    A hallmark of the Mushaira is its diverse lineup, featuring poets from India, Pakistan, Europe, the United States, and beyond. Legendary poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ali Sardar Jafri, Kaifi Azmi, and Ahmad Faraz have graced the event in past years, alongside an array of accomplished poets such as Ahmad Salman, Alok Srivastava, Ambreen Haseeb Ambar, Amjad Islam Amjad, Anwar Masood, Ashok Narain, Dilwar Figar, Gulzar Dehelvi, Hasan Kamal, Iftikhar Arif, Kaleem Aajiz, Khumar Barabankvi, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Khwamkhwa Hyderabadi, Lata Haya, Makhmoor Saeedi, Malikzada Manzoor Ahmad, Munawwar Rana, Nida Fazli, Parveen Shakir, Popular Meerathi, Razi Raziuddin, Sabiha Saba, Saghar Khayyami, Salman Akhtar, Sampat Saral, Satya Pal Anand, Shaharyar, Wali Aasi, Wasim Barelvi, Zehra Nigah, and many others. This blend of voices has cemented the Mushaira’s status as one of the most prestigious South Asian cultural gatherings.

    Nuzaira Azam and Javed Akhtar with Zafar Iqbal standing behind

    The event typically attracts a large audience of Urdu poetry enthusiasts, including dignitaries and representatives from various cultural organizations. Among the attendees were Indian Embassy officials in Washington, Anup Srivastav and Mohammad Bilal Ahmad, along with representatives from groups including the Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA), Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro Washington (GOPIO-DC), Hyderabad Association of Metro Washington Area (HAWMA), Montgomery Nawabs, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, Inc. (NCAIA), University of Karachi Alumni Association (UKAA), and students from the University of Maryland College Park and Baltimore County. Additionally, AAA honors individuals who contribute to Urdu’s promotion, such as Sanjeev Saraf of Rekhta.org, and includes a traditional rendition of AMU’s anthem, Yeh Mera Chaman Hai, adding a nostalgic touch to the gathering.

    A highlight of the evening was Javed Akhtar’s launch of Dr. Abdullah’s new poetry collection, Reyt Ki Lahrein Aur Ankahi Batein. Akhtar commended Dr. Abdullah’s dedication to preserving AMU’s heritage and praised his efforts in uniting alumni from diverse backgrounds, fostering a profound sense of connection and pride in shared roots.

    This year’s AAA Annual Mushaira delighted attendees with its much-anticipated return to an in-person format. Dr. Ishrat Husain, Mr. Kaleem Kawaja, Ambassador Islam Siddiqi, and many others expressed their appreciation for the live gathering. An enthusiastic audience of over 250 gathered in person, marking a joyful return to an in-person Mushaira after several virtual years. Attendees noted the inclusive spirit, with non-Muslim audience members comprising a substantial portion, and poets skillfully incorporating themes from Hindu epics. The significant participation of women poets further added to the event’s success, reflecting the inclusive and diverse nature of the Mushaira and creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and literary richness.

    Javed Akhtar presided over the Mushaira, which was skillfully moderated by A. Abdullah.

    (Based on a Press Release issued by Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. 1509 Coat Ridge Road,
    Herndon, VA 20170. Cell: 240-328-0162

    Volunteers

  • Annual Sir Syed Day Annual International Mushaira held using Zoom technology last Sunday, 21st November

    “Thaekzamana ki sab chaand tare apne the”

    Remembering the old days, chief guest Dr. Salman Akhtar recited a portion of his ghazal at the international Sir Syed Day mushaira using Zoom technology on Sunday, 21st November 2021. Salman—a psychiatrist by profession-belongs to the family of literary giants. He has authored more than one hundred books on diverse topics in Urdu and English. Following is a portion of the poetry he recited:

    Qusoor jitney bhi the vohhamareapne the          FarebkhaehaiNjin se vohsaareapne the

    Zamin pe haqnaraha, aasmaN ki kiyakahiyeThaekzamana ki sab chaand tare apne the

    Jo baatchhupaeehai sab se                                      Voh un se chhupaanimushkilhai

    Bahar ki kahaniasaanhai                                           Under ki kahani mushkil hai.

     The Aligarh Alumni Association-DC (AAA-DC) started the tradition of mushaira in the United States in 1975. It gained popularity with time. Sister Aligarh Alumni Associations and other literary organizations in the USA and Canada followed it. Although mushairas have become popular events, the AAA-DC mushaira has become the most sought-after event in the Metro Washington area. Last year, the AAA-DC started another practice of inviting the participation of senior, stalwart, and iconic poets with decades of literary experience. Amjad Islam Amjad, Javed Akhtar, Iftikhar Arif, Zehra Nigah, Pirzada Qasim, and Munibur Rahman participated in it previously, using Zoom technology because of the pandemic. It was pleasing to see that other organizations made use of this successful experiment by arranging events with senior poets.

    This year, the AAA-DC experimented with the idea of inviting young and rising poets from the Subcontinent. The participating poets included: Abdullah, Abhishek Shukla, Aleena Itrat Rizvi, Ammar Iqbal, Azhar Iqbal, Sabiha Saba, Saher Ansari, Salman Akhtar, Sarfraz Nawaz, and Tahzeeb Haafi. The program was conducted using Zoom technology and was simultaneously aired on YouTube and Facebook. Hundreds of literary enthusiasts enjoyed the event and encouraging comments were posted on the media. A recording of the event is now available on Youtube    https://youtu.be/9HIy1hdbvdw .

    It was a joint venture and many literary organizations participated in this year’s mushaira. They include Aligarh Alumni Associations of Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Delhi, India; and Washington, DC; Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA); Jashn-e-Urdu; Mohibban Urdu of North America; and Urdu Markaz International, Florida and Los Angeles.

    Legendary nazim Dr. A. Abdullah, who is known for his ability to mesmerize the audience with his literary skills and professional style of introducing poets, conducted the mushaira.

    A tribute was paid to Mr. Habib Mohammad Farooqi—a senior member of the community and benefactor of the association—who passed away on Saturday, 20th November 2021 in Virginia.

    The organizers gave Lifetime Achievement Awards to Drs. Salman Akhtar and Saher Ansari for their contributions to the Urdu language and literature. Aligarh Alumni associations’ functions are incomplete without the famous Aligarh Tarana written by the well-known poet AligarianMajazLakhnavi. The AAA-DC has proven true the line of the Tarana, “Jo abrhahaN se uTTHegaasaarejahan pe barsegaa.”

    Selected poetry recited at the event

    Abdullah Abdullah ne apninazm Ehsas sunaee. Us ki chandlineiN

    Na terehaathmen Iqrar ka kangan

    Na mere paaon men waadon ki zanjeeren

    Magar ehsaas k bandhan ne hum ko baandhrakh-kha hai

    Abhishek Shukla’s poetry reflects Ganga-Jamuni Tahzeeb and he beautifully represents Lucknow culture.

    Hisaab-e-dilmeinabhi tum zarakachche ho         Qareeb aao to phirjoDnasikhatahoonmsiN

    Aleena Itrat Rizvi has a background of English literature and her poetry reflects its impact.

    Fiza ki zardrangatbadalbhisaktihai       Bahar aane ki sooralnikalbhisaktihai

    Ammar Iqbal’s poetry is influenced by English literature; he teaches Urdu and English and has published ten books in Urdu, English, and Hindi languages.

    Aks kitneutargaemujhmeinPhirnajaanekidhargaemujhmein

    Kiya huathazarapata to chaleWaqtkiyathaghaDibanatehuey

    Respecting abrupt intervention by the Sadr-e-Mushaira, Ammar Iqbal did not continue reciting his poetry.

    Azhar Iqbal—a recognized TV anchor, script writer, theatre artist, and with English background is a rising star in Urdu poetry.

    GhuTansi hone lagiuskepaasjaatehuey              Mein khud se rooThgayahoonuseymanatehuey

    Sabiha Saba-a neuroscientist by profession started her poetic career from AAA-DC mushaira decades ago and is a regular participant since then. Lamenting on the apathy about the Urdu language in the Subcontinent she said:

    Sab ilaqezabanoNkenaamoN par haiNEkilaqa jo mansoob-e-Urdu nahiN

    Sarfraz Nawaz is an educator at the Jamia Millia writing poetry in English and Urdu. His poetry reflects the current social and cultural status surrounding him.

    Paude jo lagaemeiN ne to do alagaeMeiNjantahoon ki kiyahaitanhayioN ka dukh

    Tahzeeb Haafi is a popular scholar of the Urdu language and his poetry conveys fresh ideas.

    Jis se eikshakhs ka pardanahiNrakhajaata          Ab mazeed us se yeh rishtanahiNrakhajata

    Kabhi kabhivohKhuda ban kesaathchaltahai    Kabhi kabhi to vohinsaanbhinahiNlagta

    Saher Ansari, who taught Urdu in Pakistan and other countries at the university level and served on educational committees and supervised poets, and was a recipient of national awards. Presiding over the mushaira, Dr. Ansari appreciated the efforts of the Aligarh Alumni Associations in furthering the mission of the late Sir Syed Ahmed Khan for the promotion of education in the community. He recited a few ghazals and couplets. Mein hava ki tarahThehratha sire shakh-e-gulaabvohbhiapne jism ki Khushboo se pehchanagaya.

    Comments

    Audiences from Bahrain, Canada, Ethiopia, India, KSA, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, UK, and the USA posted their comments on Zoom as well as on FaceBook appreciating the mushaira and expressing thanks to the organizers. A message was conveyed that while it was a good idea to encourage young poets, the participation of some senior and famous poets would have enhanced the quality and attracted a bigger audience. They also noticed the absence of humorous (mazahiya) poetry. The disappointment was also expressed as poets did not address the social issues in the Subcontinent.

    Surinder Deol-an accomplished writer and translator of Urdu poetry, conveyed that it was a remarkable success given the limitations of having poets from across the world on the Zoom platform. Dr. Abdullah did an excellent job as a facilitator, managing time, introducing poets, and maintaining the flow. I was surprised by the quality of work shared by young new poets. This is a good omen for the future of Urdu poetry. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I would like to thank the organizers.

    Mohsin Alikhan, president of the Hyderabad Association of Metropolitan Washington Area enjoyed the Mushaira. He said that Abdullah Saheb as usual was excellent in his role as anchor. Also, either the number of Shayar’s be reduced or more time is given for the program to appreciate Shayar’s kalaam. It feels, as if, just as they are warming up, their time is up! When Shayar’s were reciting with Taranum it was hard to hear and follow. There was no mazahiyashayar, who would have provided a good break in between.

    Dr. Renuka Misra—a well-known scientist at the NIH commenting on Dr. Abdullah’s nizamat said that he was outstanding as usual. She observed that his command of the Urdu language is the introduction of poets were getting better year after year. The poets respected their allotted time and presented well. I liked  Sarfaraz Nawaz and Tehzeeb Haafi. in particular. Dr. Abdullah’s poem “Ahsas”. was outstanding and I wished he had continued. Another noticeable and admirable thing was the technology—the way participating organizations were presented. My congratulate and best wishes to all those who put their efforts into making the Mushaira very enjoyable.

    Photographs and Youtube links are courtesy of Mr. Khurshid Usmani

    (Based on a press release issued by Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. He can be reached at

    raabta.india@gmail.com  /  Phone: 240-328-0162)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HIy1hdbvdw&authuser=0

    (Advertorial)

  • Aligarh Alumni Association celebrates balmy Sunday with Picnic

    Aligarh Alumni Association celebrates balmy Sunday with Picnic

    (Photos : Courtesy Mohammed Akbar and Afzal Usmani)

    The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro-Washington (AAA-DC) organized a picnic on 11th July 2021 at the Black Hill Park, Montgomery County, Maryland. It was an impressive and successful show. The sight of so many friends, long separated by the pandemic, getting together once again after two miserable years, was a pleasant surprise.

    Black Hill Park has an interesting history. A group of Union soldiers from California discovered flecks of gold in the sand near their camp at Great Falls while washing their dishes. They did not tell anyone about their find at the time but came back to the area after the war and quietly acquired the land and formed the Maryland Mining Company. The company never found much gold and the property changed hands, and ultimately a family in the late 1940s made it Black Hill Farmland named after the Black Hills of South Dakota, famous for its gold mines in the 1870s. The owner filled in all the holes, except for one, which he turned into a bomb shelter. The local Montgomery County purchased it in 1965 and opened it to the public. The Park has more than 2,000 acres of land for outdoor recreation with spectacular views of Little Seneca Lake from the many picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and trails. There are over 20 miles of hard and natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This trail includes a fitness station.

    The AAA-DC is the first Aligarh Alumni Association in North America. Since 1975, it has been serving the literary, cultural, social needs of the South-Asian community.  The association has provided huge financial support for the educational upliftment of the community at the university and various secondary institutions in different parts of the country. During pandemic, it raised a significant amount of money to provide financial help to needy families. It is credited with the establishment of a tradition of annual Mushaira in the continent and almost all iconic poets from the subcontinent, Europe, and North America have graced and participated in its annual mushaira. Even the pandemic could not break the tradition; it organized an international online mushaira, in 2020, using modern audio-visual electronic techniques.

    The annual picnic is an eagerly awaited annual event where people drawn from Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi communities get an opportunity to strengthen their bond and enjoy the food, literary exchanges, games, and share information about families. The picnic was not held last year due to pandemic restrictions. Following CDC guidelines, people who were fully vaccinated and deemed to be relatively safe decided to gather for a picnic.

    Despite hot weather, more than 90 people came to the picnic and enjoyed the hospitality offered by the association. Children especially were very ecstatic about the newfound freedom to run around. There were limitless supplies of grilled chicken and meat patties, corn on the cob along with several homecooked food dishes, watermelon, ice cream, and of course hot tea.

    Professor Indrajit Saluja (Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama) mingled easily with other attendees. He expressed his deep love for two prime universities in India—the Aligarh Muslim University and the Banaras Hindu University, both universities have made great contributions towards the cause of education in India. The Maulana Azad Library is the finest library he had visited in India. Professor Saluja and Bhai H. S. Singh came to the picnic at the invitation of the association.

    Dr. Badruddin Khan—a senior Alig came to picnic with his family from New York City to renew their friendship with old friends. Another invited guest, Professor Marghoob Ashraf also expressed his joy by mingling with old friends from the Alig community.

    “What a wonderful gathering we had. It was a delight to be there and meeting friends, and of course, enjoyed the delicious food’, said Dr. Mike Ghouse, President of the Center for Pluralism.

    Dr. Abu-Saleh Shariff (Executive Secretary, The Justice Sachar Commission) and family, who are relatively new to the town and were impressed with the quality of hospitality, informal atmosphere and friendly culture fostered by the association.

    Although Lalit K. Jha (Chief Correspondent, the Press Trust of India)—also an invited guest was late in arrival, he appreciated the warm welcome and personal interactions with other people.

    An experienced Aligarh Alumni Association worker from Chicago, Dr. Ateeq Ahmad came to this picnic with his wife (Dr. Hina Nazli) to meet his longtime friends from Aligarh and partake in AAA-DC hospitality.

    “I have been coming to AAA-DC picnic regularly and this year’s event was a pleasant surprise, especially encouraging was to see so many younger faces participating enthusiastically,” said Nuzaira Azam-founder-president of the Global Beat Foundation.

    Tabish Hasan Khan, a Postdoctoral Research Associate from University of Virginia School of Medicine (Charlottesville) and Dr. Prabhat Pandey (New Jersey) stated that it was their first experience of AAA-DC picnic, and they were impressed with the gathering and high-quality arrangements.

    Dr. Badar Shaikh (FDA scientist) enjoyed the delicious BBQ and other food items. “Although we were not members, it sure was a pleasure and refreshing to see many friends and acquaintances after a long shut-in due to pandemic. Our congratulations to organizers for doing an excellent job,” he added.

    Many members from other community organizations like the University of Karachi Alumni Association, Indian American Muslim Council, Montgomery County Muslim Council, and Hyderabad Association Metropolitan Washington Area also expressed their joy and the chance to interact freely with attendees.

    President Mohammed Akbar welcomed the guests, especially those who had traveled from out of town. Secretary Mohammed Jaweed thanked all guests and the families who brought delicious food and other items to make the event successful. The association expressed deep appreciation to young men who managed grills and did the cooking on-site during this hot weather.

    (Report prepared by Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. He can be reached at raabta.india@gmail.com  / (240-328-0162)