The North Indian Fraternity Forum (NIFF) organized an Inter-School Urdu Bait Bazi (poetry competition) at the premises of the Consulate General of India (CGI), in Jeddah, Friday. Consul Commercial and Culture of CGI Shakeel Ahmed graced the event as the chief guest and HOC at CGI Madan Kumar Ghildiyal was the guest of honor. The event was also attended by principals of various schools, professors from universities/colleges, office bearers of other literary and cultural organizations, parents and all Urdu-language lovers. Two groups, each comprised of five international schools, participated in the competition. Group A: International Indian School, Jeddah (girls section), Al Wurood International School (girls section), Al Falah International School,DPS Jeddah (girls section), Al Wurood International School (boys section), Hala International School (boys section). Group B: Beladi Internationals (girls section), Dauha Al Uloom (girls section), Hala International School (girls section), Al Falah International School, DPS Jeddah (boys section), International Indian School, Jeddah (boys section) The participants were judged by Shabana Iqbal, Irfaan Barabankwi, Anjum Iqbal and Nasir Berney on the basis of the quality of the poetry, its delivery and pronunciation. The program commenced with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Kashif Iqbal. It was followed by the competition's first elimination round for Team A, which kicked off with Barabankwi reciting a couplet of renowned Indian Urdu poet of 19th century Momin Khan Momin. International Indian School, Jeddah (girls section) and Al Wurood International School (boys section) skillfully yet melodiously beat the other teams to qualify for the final round. The elimination round of Team B started with Iqbal reciting a couplet for them and quickly catching on to the last letter to recite couplets from Urdu poets, International Indian School, Jeddah (boys section) and Hala International School (girls section) swiftly went to the finals. The finale started after the Maghrib prayer with the recitation of Surah Alaq by Salman Mahfooz followed by its translation by Aleena Iqbal after which, Ayesha Nasir Jamal narrated a Hadith on knowledge. The final round was piloted by a couplet recited by Shabana Iqbal. International Indian School, Jeddah (girls section) won the competition with International Indian School, Jeddah (boys section) being the runner-up. The winners and runners-up were awarded certificates, mementos, gifts, cash prizes and trophies. Teachers of the winning teams were also facilitated with mementos and gifts. Participants from all the schools were also given certificates of appreciation along with gifts. The event was made more memorable and remarkable when the audience were split into two teams ‘Ghalib' and ‘Zauq' for an on-the-spot Urdu poetry competition, which clearly left everyone ecstatic. The whole event was compered by Sadia Fuzail and Wafia Kissa under the supervision of the NIFF Coordinator Sahar Nasir. Syed Ghazanfar Mumtaz hosted the event. Chief guest Ahmed congratulated NIFF for conducting the first ever Inter-School Urdu Bait Bazi (competition) in Jeddah and encouraged and appreciated the efforts of the NIFF office bearers, and the audience who enthusiastically participated in making the event successful. President of NIFF Fuzail Ahmed congratulated the achievers of CBSE grade 10. He spoke about the mission and vision of NIFF, which is to promote the culture of north India, help the distressed north Indians living in Jeddah, and to provide a platform to young Indians to enhance their knowledge and personality skills. Ahmed also announced the formation of an “Urdu Club” and offered free membership to all those interested. He encouraged the audience to shoulder the responsibility of promoting the Urdu-language and promised publication of Urdu news material in the monthly newsletter of NIFF. NIFF Patron Azizurrab congratulated the NIFF office bearers in achieving heights in their endeavor to serve the community within a short span of three months. NIFF General Secretary Khwaja Nasir Jamal thanked the chief guest, guest of honor, dignitaries, participating schools and of course the sponsors: M/s Himalaya Herbals, Emami, Signature watches, Haji Abdullah Alireza, Eden Optical and Watches, My Care Polyclinic and Tasty Taste Restaurant. The efforts of NIFF Patrons Zia Nadwi, Farzan Rizvi and Azizurrab; President Fuzail Ahmed; Vice Presidents Feroz Khan, Waquar Ahmad and Prakash Rana; Treasurer Iqbal Siddiqui; Event Coordinator Mumtaz; and General Secretary Khwaja Nasir Jamal were appreciated for organizing a splendid literary evening.
