MARYLAND (TIP): The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro Washington (AAA-DC) hosted its 49th annual International Mushaira on October 20, 2024, in the spacious auditorium of Gaithersburg, Maryland. This celebrated event featured the distinguished poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, recipient of the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India and a former Member of India’s Parliament. Other esteemed poets who shared their work included Abdullah Abdullah, Ahmad Salman, Ashfaq Hussain, Masood Ahmad, Mohammed Jaweed, Nikhat Iftikhar, Nusrat Mehdi, Sabiha Saba, Shakeel Azmi, and Vinita Tiwari.

Over the years, AAA-DC’s Mushaira has evolved into a cherished cultural tradition for the South Asian diaspora in the Washington area, serving as a bridge to linguistic and literary heritage. The event fosters a dynamic exchange where renowned poets perform alongside emerging voices, sustaining the vibrancy of Urdu poetry. Originally conceived to celebrate Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) legacy in Urdu literature, it now draws a global audience, inviting Urdu poetry lovers to savor the beauty of ghazals and nazms.

A hallmark of the Mushaira is its diverse lineup, featuring poets from India, Pakistan, Europe, the United States, and beyond. Legendary poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ali Sardar Jafri, Kaifi Azmi, and Ahmad Faraz have graced the event in past years, alongside an array of accomplished poets such as Ahmad Salman, Alok Srivastava, Ambreen Haseeb Ambar, Amjad Islam Amjad, Anwar Masood, Ashok Narain, Dilwar Figar, Gulzar Dehelvi, Hasan Kamal, Iftikhar Arif, Kaleem Aajiz, Khumar Barabankvi, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Khwamkhwa Hyderabadi, Lata Haya, Makhmoor Saeedi, Malikzada Manzoor Ahmad, Munawwar Rana, Nida Fazli, Parveen Shakir, Popular Meerathi, Razi Raziuddin, Sabiha Saba, Saghar Khayyami, Salman Akhtar, Sampat Saral, Satya Pal Anand, Shaharyar, Wali Aasi, Wasim Barelvi, Zehra Nigah, and many others. This blend of voices has cemented the Mushaira’s status as one of the most prestigious South Asian cultural gatherings.

The event typically attracts a large audience of Urdu poetry enthusiasts, including dignitaries and representatives from various cultural organizations. Among the attendees were Indian Embassy officials in Washington, Anup Srivastav and Mohammad Bilal Ahmad, along with representatives from groups including the Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Federation of Aligarh Alumni Associations (FAAA), Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro Washington (GOPIO-DC), Hyderabad Association of Metro Washington Area (HAWMA), Montgomery Nawabs, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, Inc. (NCAIA), University of Karachi Alumni Association (UKAA), and students from the University of Maryland College Park and Baltimore County. Additionally, AAA honors individuals who contribute to Urdu’s promotion, such as Sanjeev Saraf of Rekhta.org, and includes a traditional rendition of AMU’s anthem, Yeh Mera Chaman Hai, adding a nostalgic touch to the gathering.

A highlight of the evening was Javed Akhtar’s launch of Dr. Abdullah’s new poetry collection, Reyt Ki Lahrein Aur Ankahi Batein. Akhtar commended Dr. Abdullah’s dedication to preserving AMU’s heritage and praised his efforts in uniting alumni from diverse backgrounds, fostering a profound sense of connection and pride in shared roots.

This year’s AAA Annual Mushaira delighted attendees with its much-anticipated return to an in-person format. Dr. Ishrat Husain, Mr. Kaleem Kawaja, Ambassador Islam Siddiqi, and many others expressed their appreciation for the live gathering. An enthusiastic audience of over 250 gathered in person, marking a joyful return to an in-person Mushaira after several virtual years. Attendees noted the inclusive spirit, with non-Muslim audience members comprising a substantial portion, and poets skillfully incorporating themes from Hindu epics. The significant participation of women poets further added to the event’s success, reflecting the inclusive and diverse nature of the Mushaira and creating an atmosphere of cultural pride and literary richness.

Javed Akhtar presided over the Mushaira, which was skillfully moderated by A. Abdullah.

(Based on a Press Release issued by Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. 1509 Coat Ridge Road,
Herndon, VA 20170. Cell: 240-328-0162