New Delhi: On the occasion of Mirza Ghalib’s death anniversary, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Delhi Branch, in collaboration with Ghalib Institute, organized ‘Ghalib Day’ at Aiwan-e-Ghalib. The event commenced with floral tributes and Fateha at Ghalib’s tomb, led by Ghalib Institute’s Director, Dr. Idris Ahmed.
At 3 PM, a formal session was held at Aiwan-e-Ghalib, presided over by Javed Danish (Canada). In his address, he noted how Ghalib’s influence is so profound that people often misattribute poetry to him. He stressed the importance of correcting such errors with respect and refinement.
Dr. Idris Ahmed remarked that remembering Ghalib is not just about honoring a poet but also about staying connected to cultural heritage. S. Farooq, President of Himalaya Drugs, stated that studying Ghalib enhances linguistic precision, but today, language is losing importance in both cinema and society.
Advocate Abdul Rahman highlighted that no other Urdu poet has reached non-Urdu audiences as Ghalib has, emphasizing the need to present his poetry responsibly. Dr. Khalid Alavi pointed out that Ghalib criticism provides a complete view of Urdu literary history and that every major researcher in Urdu literature is also a Ghalib scholar.
Prof. Muhammad Kazim noted that although Ghalib considered his Urdu poetry inferior to Persian, his continuous republication of his Urdu works proves its significance. Joint Secretary of Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Delhi, Khurshid Alam, mentioned that while Ghalib predicted his value would be recognized posthumously, even during his lifetime, his poetry was highly esteemed, as seen in his Diwan being published five times.
Hajra Manzoor welcomed guests, stating that Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Delhi organizes Ghalib Day annually, and attendees make the event more prestigious. The session also featured the launch of Echoes of Dreams, an English translation of Mirza Hamed Baig’s short stories, with translator Dr. Tarika in attendance.
The second part of the program included a Tarahi Mushaira, presided over by Zafar Muradabadi, with Waqar Manvi and Mateen Amrohavi as special guests. The session was hosted by Moin Shadab, and poets including Zafar Muradabadi, Waqar Manvi, Mateen Amrohavi, Prof. Iffat Zareen, Arshad Nadeem, Iqbal Firdousi, Dr. Ahmed Imtiaz, Moin Shadab, Suhaib Ahmed Farooqi, Dildar Dehlvi, Ameer Amrohavi, Khan Rizwan, and Safeer Siddiqui recited their poetry.
The event concluded with an evening of ghazals, where Ustad Yusuf Khan Nizami presented Ghalib’s ghazals, making the celebration a memorable tribute to the legendary poet.
