New Delhi: The Ghalib Institute inaugurated its three-day international Ghalib commemorations on at Aiwan-e-Ghalib here Friday. The event began with a keynote address by Prof. Qazi Jamal Hussain, who explored the intellectual and emotional depths of Ghalib’s work. He highlighted how the poet transformed pain and anguish into a source of solace, calling it a hallmark of Ghalib’s creative genius. Themes like the “delight in sorrow” and “disappointment in aspirations,” Prof. Hussain noted, reflect Ghalib’s unique ability to derive pleasure from grief.
The inauguration was presided over by former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, who emphasised the significance of such events in fostering intellectual and cultural engagement. He remarked that the seminar’s theme, “There Is No Rhythm in the Lament,” offers a myriad of perspectives for contemplation.
“Ghalib’s perception of pain and unfulfilled desires transcended the ordinary, cementing his place as a profound creator,” he added.
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Sadiqur Rahman Kidwai, Secretary of the Ghalib Institute, who praised Ghalib’s unparalleled expression of human desires, dreams, and determination. Prof. Kidwai explained that the seminar’s theme underscores that grief is not bound by rules or forms of expression, making it as complex as it is profound.
Prof. Mohammed Afshar Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, attended as the Guest of Honour. In his address, he lauded the Ghalib Institute for its annual efforts to commemorate Ghalib’s legacy. He said, “Reading Ghalib means rediscovering him from new perspectives. His life was a testament to resisting stagnation, and remembering him invigorates our intellectual pursuits.”
Dr. Idrees Ahmad, Director of the Ghalib Institute, shared insights about the organisation’s year-round activities, which culminate in the December commemorations marking Ghalib’s birth anniversary. He revealed that the annual event also serves as a platform to present a report on the Institute’s endeavours, often accompanied by book launches. He expressed optimism that this year’s seminar and its subsequent publication would contribute significantly to scholarly discussions on Ghalib.
During the session, Dr. Mohammad Ilyas Azmi was conferred with Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Ghalib Award for Research and Criticism, Prof. Mohammad Reza Nasiri (Iran) was honoured with Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Ghalib Award for Persian Research and Criticism, and Prof. Abdul Rasheed was awarded Ghalib Award for Lifetime Contribution to Literature.
The following publications were also launched:
- Ghalib aur Jashn-e-Zindagi by Dr. Idrees Ahmad;
- Ghalib: Raaz-e-Hayat aur Iztirab-e-Aagahi by Prof. Sadiqur Rahman Kidwai;
- Tawdihi Ishariya Ghalib Nama by Prof. Farooq Ansari;
- Urdu Adab ki Tashkeel-e-Jadeed by Prof. Nasir Abbas Nayyar;
- Kuch Ghalib ke Baare Mein by Dr. Mazhar Raza;
- Diwan-e-Ghalib (Tamil translation by Dr. Syed Rafeeq Pasha Husaini);
- Two new editions of Ghalib Nama; and
- Diary & Calendar 2025.
Following the inaugural session, renowned ghazal singer Dr. Radhika Chopra performed select ghazals by Ghalib and other poets.
The seminar will continue on December 21 and 22, from 10 AM to 5 PM, at Aiwan-e-Ghalib. On the evening of December 21, an international mushaira (poetry recital) will be held, followed by the Urdu drama Nazir Katha Kirtan on December 22.
