Dr. Khalid Mahmood, former head of the Department of Urdu, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, managing director of Maktaba Jamia, New Delhi, and editor in chief of Kitab Numa monthly was felicitated at a special gathering of Indian and Pakistani Urdu poets, intellectuals and Urdu lovers at the residence of Laiqullah Khan at Al-Rehab District in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Khalid Mahmood is a poet, research scholar and writer with a unique style. He was the chief guest of the poetry session and famous Pakistani poet Khalil Ahmad was the guest of honor.
Khalil Ahmad is also an advocate from Karachi, who has just published his poetry collection. Anwar Ansari was master of the event with Fizaur Rahman presiding over the literary gathering and the poetry event.
In the first session Mujahid Syed in a brief introductory speech lauded Dr. Khalid Mahmood’s contribution to the Urdu language, literature and poetry by giving references from many famous Urdu writers’ impressions about Dr. Khalid Mahmood, who was appreciated for the simplicity of his language and his modulation that expressed his concern for the bloodied humanity.
A few examples of his couplets: Abhi dhoop Khalid pe aayi na thi; Ke diwar, diwar chalne laga.
Qafile men hum us maqam pe hain; Jo sadae jaras se bahar hai
Agar tahseen hai mere sukhan ki; To ismer kya tumhara jar aha hai
Hum uski rah men aankhen bichha ke dekhte hain; Magar who jan ka dushman kahan badalta hai
Sage duniya pukara jar aha hai; Meri janib ishara ja raha hai
Hamare ahd ki pasti ka Khalid; Bulandi per ishara jar aha hai
Local poets Abdul Rahim Shad Bijnori, Mona Najmi (her ghazal was recited by her father), Faisal Tufail, Muhammad Mukhtar Ali, Irfan Barabankwi, Nasir Barni, Anwar Ansari, Athar Abbasi, Mujahid Syed, and Naeem Bazidpuri recited their poems. Shahid Nayeem presented his book to the chief guest.
Khalil Ahmad and Dr. Khalid Mahmood recited their poems in both sessions. Both the poets were well-received by the audience.
The program began with the recitation of a few verses of the Holy Qur’an by Qari Muhammad Razi. Muhammad Amin Ansari recited a Naat. Dr. Khalid Mahmood expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants of the evening. He said that he was very impressed by the standard of the Urdu poetry and literature in Jeddah.
(About the Writer: Muhammad Mujahid Syed is a regular contributor in Jeddah based Saudi Gazette vernacular english daily.)
