Abu Tashfeen Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Famous Pakistani poet Dr. Khurshid Rizvi's fifth collection of poetry was released Thursday at Shaheen restaurant here in the presence of a large number of poets, intellectuals and poetry lovers. Rizvi, a famous research scholar and linguist, was praised by Chief Guest and Vice Consul Welfare Syed Tahsimul Haq Haqqi. Haqqi lauded Aalami Urdu Markaz -Jeddah's efforts in promoting Urdu language and literature. He expressed happiness on President of Aalami Urdu Markaz Jeddah Athar Abbasi's announcement of the opening of its branches in Riyadh and Dammam. Abbasi thanked Pakistani Consulate and Dr. Ghulam Akbar Niyazi for their continued support. Syed Abu Ahmad Akif presided the event. The program comprised two sessions. In the first session Pakistani critic Dr. Aslam Ansari's article regarding Dr. Khurshid Rizvi's poetry was read by Amir Khurshid. Ansari in his paper congratulated Rizvi for delivering delicate material in fine poetry. Professor Asghar Beg, in his detailed paper, praised Rizvi's efforts to keep the candle of love in these hard times when every value is swallowed by the forces of materialism. "Khurshid Rizvi's poetry is deeply influenced by the classical pre-Islamic poets, and he finds inspiration from the poets of romantic revival. Rizvi in his latest collection of poetry 'Deryab' has proved his mastery over classical and modern poetry and Urdu language. The happy blend of thought and feelings, the idiomatic language and craft makes him unique," said Muhammad Mujahid Syed. Rizvi highlighted the condition of Urdu language and literature in Pakistan. "I am so lucky to get so much love from Jeddah writers, poets and intellectuals and the poetry lovers," said Rizvi. He thanked everyone, including the host of the events for organizing such an attractive literary gathering. Poets Mona Najmi, Irfan Barabankwi, Shiraz Mehdi, Nasir Barni, Mohsin Alwi offered their poetic tribute to Rizvi. In the second poetic session Zamurrad Saifee, Anwar Ansari, Shaukat Jamal, Mujahid Syed and Rizvi recited their poems. Following are a few couplets: Phir rahe Naat men qadam rakkha Phir dame tegh per qalam rakkha Shafae Aasiyan ki baat chali Sare isiyan adab se kham rakkha Wirde Zuban hai too rage jaan men rawan hai too Dil phir bhi justjoo men hai teri kahan hai too Main tera aaina hoon mujhe tootne na de Main rraegan hua to samajh raegan hai too Hujoome ashke tapan aankh men ruka hua hai Hamara hal na poochho ke dil dukha hua hai Hamid Islam Khan was the master of the event. The program started with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Nawaz Janjua recited a Naat of Rizvi. The program with the prayers of Dr. Ghulam Akbar Niyazi.
