Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey Calls It an Honour for Urdu Language
“This honour is not merely an honour for Kausar Mazhari; it is an honour for Jamia Millia Islamia and, above all, for the Urdu language.” With these words, Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, who presided over a literary programme at Ghalib Academy, New Delhi, highlighted the significance of the special issue of the Urdu literary journal Sabq-e-Urdu dedicated to noted scholar, critic and poet Prof. Kausar Mazhari.
The special issue was released at a literary gathering organised at Ghalib Academy, Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, which brought together a number of eminent scholars, writers, critics and lovers of Urdu literature.
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, while welcoming the guests and presiding over the programme, spoke at length about the various qualities and achievements of Kausar Mazhari. He said that the honour associated with the special issue extended beyond the individual and represented the recognition of Jamia Millia Islamia as well as the Urdu language.
Leading Scholars Highlight Kausar Mazhari’s Literary and Academic Legacy
Prof. Shehpar Rasool, the Chief Guest, discussed the personality, ideas and literary contributions of Kausar Mazhari. He particularly highlighted his academic and teaching abilities, appreciated his poetry and presented an overview of his work as a critic.
Prof. Shahzad Anjum welcomed the guests and appreciated the special issue, highlighting its literary value and significance. Prof. Ahmad Mahfuz expressed his gratitude to all the guests and the organisers. He also spoke at length about his longstanding association with Danish Allahabadi and recalled various aspects of their relationship.
Dr. Ashfaq Aarafi spoke about his long-standing association with Kausar Mazhari dating back to their days in Patna. Recalling his meetings and interactions with Mazhari, he shed light on various aspects of their literary relationship.
Prof. Mohammad Kazim also spoke about his longstanding association with Prof. Kausar Mazhari. He particularly discussed in detail the contribution of Prof. Atiqullah published in the special issue.
Speakers Praise Mazhari’s Contribution to Urdu Literature
The programme was conducted by Janab Moeen Shadab, who presented his observations on Kausar Mazhari’s literary personality and contribution. Referring to Mazhari’s work, he said that he had done justice to literature through his writings and underlined his sense of fairness and balanced approach as a critic. He noted that Kausar Mazhari had authored around 20 books and had pursued his literary work with seriousness and dignity.
Moeen Shadab further observed that Kausar Mazhari had passed through a process of self-creation and had established his identity among those writers who regard literature as a trust and attach great importance to criticism and new possibilities in literature. He also congratulated Dr. Khalid Mubashshir, who was associated with the editorial work of the special issue.
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Moeen Shadab subsequently invited Prof. Mohammad Kazim, Prof. Ahmad Mahfuz, Prof. Shahzad Anjum, Dr. Ashfaq Aarafi, Prof. Shehpar Rasool, Prof. Kausar Mazhari and Prof. Akhtarul Wasey to share their views and reflections.
Prof. Kausar Mazhari expressed his gratitude to all the distinguished guests and participants for their presence and for the appreciation extended to his literary work.
Special Issue Celebrated as Tribute to Prof. Kausar Mazhari’s Life and Work
Dr. Khalid Mubashshir, who delivered the vote of thanks, welcomed and thanked all the guests and spoke about his own role in the publication of the special issue. He expressed his gratitude to the editor for giving him the opportunity to contribute to the project and appreciated Kausar Mazhari’s literary achievements. He also congratulated Danish Allahabadi for his contribution.
Dr. Shams Eqbal, who was scheduled to attend the programme as Guest of Honour, could not be present due to ill health. Similarly, Janab Danish Allahabadi, who was scheduled to deliver the welcome address, was unable to attend because of unfortunate health circumstances.
The programme was attended by several prominent literary and academic personalities, including M. R. Qasmi, Mahzar Raza, Khan Rizwan, Naushad Manzar, Syed Moeen, Shafi Ayub, Nigar Apa, besides a large number of scholars, writers and other distinguished guests.
The gathering provided an important platform to acknowledge the literary and critical contribution of Prof. Kausar Mazhari and to discuss the significance of the special issue of Sabq-e-Urdu devoted to his life, personality and work.
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