Mumbra: A grand literary event and mushaira titled Jashn-e-Wasif Farooqui was organised at the Nauman Imam Auditorium in Mumbra on the occasion of the arrival of renowned senior poet Wasif Farooqui in Mumbai. The event witnessed the participation of eminent personalities associated with Urdu literature, poets, female poets and literature enthusiasts, adding to the charm and grandeur of the gathering.
Wasif Farooqui is a respected name in the world of Urdu literature. Besides being a senior poet, he is also an accomplished mushaira compere, known for his distinctive style, and a respected literary critic. His compering at mushairas held across the world is particularly appreciated for its spontaneity, wit, literary insight and engaging presentation. His style not only entertains the audience but also enriches the literary atmosphere of a mushaira. He has also established himself as a serious and credible literary figure in the fields of poetry and criticism. The special event was organised in Mumbra to commemorate his visit to Mumbai and acknowledge his valuable contributions to Urdu literature.
The programme was presided over by renowned literary personality Nadeem Siddiqui. Irfan Jafri attended as the chief guest, Wasif Farooqui as the guest of honour, and Shaz Ramzi as the distinguished guest. Ejaz Hindi also shared his views, while Masood Hassas conducted the programme.
The mushaira featured well-known poets from Mumbra and other places, who delighted the audience with their poetry and received enthusiastic appreciation. The participating poets included Hangama Azmi, Khurshid Alam, Zubair Gorakhpuri, Riaz Ahmed Mansoori Ram, Masihuddin Nazeeri, Saleem Rashk, Siraj Talib Siraj, Manzar Balliawi, Zulfiqar Saeedi, Tabish Rampuri, Taufiq Fakhri, Dr Irshad Khan, Ayaz Bastavi, Momin Hindi, Dr Arif Anjum, Faiz Salman, Manzoorul Islam Manzoor, Ilyas Mahi and Naseebullah Bastavi. Through their distinctive poetic styles, ideas and artistic expression, the poets made the gathering meaningful and memorable.
Female poets Raeesa Khumar Aarzoo and Shadab Siddiqui also enriched the event with their poetry, adding to the literary charm of the evening.
The programme was jointly organised by several literary and social organisations, including Qandeel, Khama Literary Forum, Bazm-e-Kahkashan, Tanzeem-e-Walideen, Bazm-e-Arbab-e-Sukhan, Aiwan-e-Adab and the Literary Forum. Their collective efforts reflected a strong commitment to the Urdu language and literature, as well as respect for distinguished literary personalities.
Among those who attended the programme as members of the audience were Zaheer Alam Rahmani, Aamir Shah, Neeru, Shahid Amini, Hafiz Ibrahim, Farooq Rawat, Ishaq Khan, Jamal Siddiqui, Mehruddin, Mujeebullah Makki, Abdul Noor Namli, Ikramuddin and Maulana Athar, along with several other literature enthusiasts.
Jashn-e-Wasif Farooqui was more than just a mushaira; it was a meaningful literary gathering held in honour of a distinguished name in Urdu poetry, criticism and compering. The event brought poets and audiences together on a common platform while highlighting the rich traditions of Urdu literature, the importance of honouring literary personalities and the spirit of promoting poetic appreciation. The celebration proved to be a pleasant and memorable addition to Mumbra’s vibrant literary landscape.