– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi, Jan. 15: A book, “Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi Saher: Fun aur Shakhsiat”, compiled by Narang Saqi, was released in the presence of a galaxy of Urdu poets and writers at a function at Ghalib Academy here Saturday.
Mohinder Singh Bedi was a famous Urdu poet who was born in Sahiwal, Punjab (now Pakistan) in 1909. After partition, his family shifted to Fazilka, in India. Saher’s first book of Urdu poetry was “Tulu-e-Saḥar,” written in 1962. In 1983, he published a collection of autobiographical poems titled “Yadon ka Jashn.” Haryana Urdu Akademi created Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi Award to honor him.
Introducing the book, senior journalist and writer Suhail Anjum said there are hundreds of essays on the personality of Saher. “This book is a repository of the personality of Mahinder Singh Bedi. Bedi Sahib was full of human qualities.”
Dr. Khalid Alvi said Bedi Sahib’s personality was multifaceted. He was a great example of modesty. His poetry is simple, but in terms of meaning, it has layers in it. Regarding “Celebration of Memories,” Khalid Alvi said different dimensions of Bedi Sahib’s personality come out in this book. Mentioning the biographical statements of Josh Malih Abadi and Bedi Sahib, he said Bedi Sahib’s words are facts based on arguments. This is the reason why Narang Saqi published the “Celebration of Yayadon Ka Jashan” five times.
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, while releasing the book, said in today’s era, Narang Saqi is a proud man that he kept the memory of Bedi Sahib alive. In 1947, when humanity was falling apart, he kept the honor of humanity. We cannot imagine him without Saqi. The personality was layered. He was a zamindar who used to organize entertainment of farmers and laborers. He used to make difficult work easy. Nehru had said that if Muslims left Delhi, it would be a disgrace.
Ghalib Academy secretary Dr. Aqil Ahmed said Bedi Sahib’s lineage is directly from Guru Nanak. He was also a landowner and ruler, munsif, poet, and writer. He was also a philanthropist and a compassionate person. He left his mark in every field. Expressing his opinion, he said he was a hero of poets; he has done well to many people.
Mateen Amrohavi rendered a poetic piece on Bedi Sahib. Finally, Narang Saqi expressed his gratitude. A large number of poets and writers were present on this occasion.
