ORLANDO (TIP): Awan-e Urdu Florida Organized a literary hangama to pay tribute to legendary Urdu humorist poet Akbar Allahabadi on May 14, 2022, in Orlando, FL. The event was also celebrated as Eid Milan after a hiatus of over two years due to the pandemic. Awan-e Urdu President Mr. Ahmed KassooTanhaa welcomed the audience and gave a brief overview and history of Awan-e Urdu. He said that the organization has been in existence for more than 20 years in Central Florida, with over 100 members. It is a non-profit organization promoting the Urdu language, literature, and poetry and preserving the Subcontinent’s culture. Although the association has many recognized poets and writers in its membership, it invites poets, writers, and artists from other cities and countries to perform at its events. It also organizes the release of books published by its members. A senior member of the organization pointed out that they have launched at least five books of Urdu poets who currently reside or have resided in Central Florida.

Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad presented a brief account of the life, works, and accomplishments of Akbar Allahabadi. He said, “Syed Akbar Hussain Akbar Allahabadi (1846-1921) was an Urdu poet in the genre of satire. His poems are a true reflection of his time, giving a comprehensive account of all the moral, cultural, political, and psychological dispositions of the people living in Northern India.” His poetry is a melting pot of revolutionary, classical, innovative, and meticulous creative faculties. He added that Akbar appeared revolutionist and reformer, even though he was fond of traditional values.

Akbar is considered the expert in satire and humor in Urdu poetry. His keen eyes noticed the quickly changing world and the emergence of new classes. Some looked down on their Indian traditional values as Westernism grew in popularity. To devote his poetry to the service of his country and nation, he uniquely developed a style in which there is outward mockery and humor but inside counsel and criticism. Dr. Sardar Akhtar Aziz and Mr. Salahuddin Siddiqui also presented their commentaries about Akbar’s poetry. This session was devoted to the selected poetry of Akbar Allahabadi recited by several members of the audience. Prof. Syed Khawar Ali, Dr. Sameena Beg, Ms. Ghazala Syed, Mr. Shaikh Naeem, Dr. Shaheda Akhtar, Dr. Mirza Suleman Beg, Mr. Syed Shahab Salim, Mr. Zahid Tufail, Ms. Shaila Siddiqi, Ms. Sadia Ali, Mr. Ghalam Qadir Qureshi, Ms. Sairab Ansari, and Ms. Kausar shared their presentations with the audience.

The guest of honor, Ms. Nuzaira Azam, a well-known journalist, and writer, came from Washington, DC. She talked briefly about her experience as a political reporter and her books, KhwabBadosh and Anahita ki Janam Basti.

The second poetic session was devoted to the random recitation of non-specific ghazals, verses, and personal poetry presented by audience members. A Bhojpuri geet sung by Ms. Nuzaira Azam was highly appreciated. Ms. Sadia Khawar Ali and a few other audience members also participated by reciting their favorite poetry.

The event, attended by more than 70 Urdu enthusiasts from Orlando and nearby towns, was hosted by Mr. and Ms. Waqar Siddiqui and their family friends at their beautiful residence by the lake in Orlando. The attendees were hugely impressed by their warm hospitality and delicious food.

(Report by Zafar Iqbal, Ph.D. He can be reached at 240-328-0162. Iqbal.Zafar1509@gmail.com. )