– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: In celebration of the 227th birth anniversary of Mirza Ghalib, the Ghalib Academy, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture, hosted a special programme featuring lectures on the mystical dimensions of Ghalib’s poetry. The event, held at the Academy’s auditorium, was a heartfelt homage to the poet’s legacy.
The programme began with a solemn tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was remembered as a world-class economist and a passionate lover of Urdu. Dr. Aqeel Ahmed, secretary of Ghalib Academy, highlighted Dr. Singh’s significant contributions to India’s economic reforms and his affinity for Ghalib’s works. Dr. G.R. Kanwal, presiding over the event, noted that Dr. Singh often sought solace in Ghalib’s Diwan during his later years, marking his passing as an irreplaceable loss for the nation.
On the influence of Sufism in Ghalib’s poetry, Professor Janki Prasad Sharma explored the poet’s philosophical leanings. While Ghalib’s writings reflect elements of Sufi thought, such as the unity of existence and universal empathy, he was not a practising Sufi. Professor Sharma noted that Ghalib’s works conveyed his monotheistic beliefs and a rejection of ritualistic practices, alongside his deep compassion for humanity. Ghalib’s letters, such as one advocating against hunger and poverty, further underscored his philanthropic spirit and his vision of a just society.
Renowned historian Professor Zaheer Hussain Jafri shed light on Ghalib’s societal context, explaining how the poet’s experiences with both Mughal rulers and British administrators shaped his outlook. Ghalib’s struggles, whether seeking royal patronage or negotiating with colonial powers, were mirrored in his poetry and letters. Professor Jafri emphasised how Ghalib’s creative awareness bridged Indian and Sufi traditions.
Professor Sharif Hussain Qasmi elaborated on Ghalib’s theoretical engagement with Sufism, noting that his poetry often posed existential and metaphysical questions. Meanwhile, Dr. G.R. Kanwal described Ghalib as a Qalandar. Ghalib viewed life as an ephemeral illusion, where every experience reflected divine beauty, blurring the boundaries between the sacred and the mundane.
The evening also featured cultural performances. Poet Matin Amrohvi recited his compositions, while Mumbai-based artist Indira Naik captivated the audience with her musical renditions of Ghalib’s ghazals, delivered with flawless Urdu pronunciation. Dr. Shafi Ayub also conducted a musical presentation of Ghalib’s poetry.
Certificates were distributed to students who completed Arabic and Urdu courses at the Academy. Despite the chilly weather and intermittent rain, the event drew a large and enthusiastic audience. Notable attendees included Pankaj Singh, Srikant Kohli, Dr. Zaki Tariq, Zaheer Barni, Azharzai, Syed Sikandar Ali, Ravi Patwardhan, Fazal bin Akhlaq, Kamaluddin, Sarwat Usmani, Abdul Bari Masoud, Asrar Razi, Parveen Vyas, and Sheikh Jilani, along with many students and Ghalib enthusiasts.
