Saudi Gazette RIYADH — Hindustani Bazme Urdu and Bazme Urdu Toastmasters Club, Riyadh, organized a literary evening, "Ek shaam Urdu Adab ke naam" at Red Onion Hotel, Riyadh. This exclusive gathering was held to felicitate two visiting eminent Urdu literary figures Poet Afzal Imam from Toronto, Canada, and Poet Kamil Hyderabadi from Hyderabad, India. The Chief Guest of the evening was Dr. Hifzur Rahman, second secretary, embassy of India in Riyadh. The proceedings started with the recitation of verses from the holy Qur'an by Hafiz Khaja Aleemuddin. In his address Abdul Rahman Saleem, president, Hindustani Bazme Urdu briefed all on the activities of Hindustani Bazme Urdu, which was founded around 30 years ago. He stressed that it has been Hindustani Bazme Urdu's tradition to recognize and felicitate visiting personalities of Urdu literature from various parts of world in Riyadh. Quaiser Mohammed, president Tanzeem Hum Hindustani, stressed the need to transfer the knowledge of Urdu to the younger generation. He suggested various methods like introducing daily "Word of the day" in Urdu and subscribing to Urdu Newspapers etc. He introduced the Guest Poet Kaamil Hyderabadi and shed light on his life and career. While the other Guest Poet Afzal Imam, who is visiting Riyadh from Toronto, was introduced by K. N. Wasif, senior journalist. He read out an article on his life and achievements starting from Bihar to Toronto. Kaamil Hyderabadi enthralled the audience with his nashids and then presented his unique style of poetry. Afzal Imam too had the goodly gathering spellbound with his wisdom, experience and rhythmic poetry. Dr. Hifzur Rahman Azmi, in his speech, applauded both the guest poets and appreciated their services for the cause of Urdu. He also praised Saleem, founder of Hindustani Bazme Urdu (HBU), for his services to promote Urdu and felicitate visiting literary figures from different parts of the world. The visiting poets were also presented gifts by Hindustani Bazme Urdu. Taqiuddin Mir anchored the show. Dr. Sayeed Mohiuddin presented the vote of thanks. This unique poetic event was attended by dignitaries of various organizations like Suhail Ahmed, Vali Ur Rahman, Syed Akram Mohiuddin, Javed Ali, Syed Masood, Mohammed Mubin, Sultan Mazharuddin, Shahbaz Farooqi, Mohammed Zaigham Khan, Abdul Basit and others.
