RIYADH — All India United Society (AIUS) felicitated prominent Urdu poet from India Syed Haleem Babar at Niagara banquet hall in Riyadh. The event titled, "Ek Sham Haleem Babar Ka Naam," saw a Mushaira where prominent poets of Riyadh presented their poems, mostly criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi›s demonetization policy, which has given a heavy blow to ordinary citizens of the country and has caused them untold miseries. The poets also targeted Indian police for the fake encounter in Bhopal in which eight prisoners were killed. The poets who read their poems included Sayeed Akthar Azmi, Haji Mansur Qasmi, Hashmat Siddqui, Sager Ahmed Sager, Kursheed Ul Hassan Nayyer, Khaja Masiuddin Abu Nabil, Rizwan ul Haq Allahabadi, Malik Mohiuddin and visiting poet Haleem Babar. Chief guest of the event and Principal International Indian School Riyadh Dr. S.M. Shoukat Pervaiz said Urdu poets present the real picture of society and express their feelings through their poetry. He said after the Independence, several efforts have been made to destroy Urdu but the poets kept this language alive and still strive for the cause of Urdu. Pervaiz recited several of his favorite couplets by prominent poets. Haleem Babar, who presided over the Mushaira, appreciated AIUS and its office bearers for keeping alive the rich culture and tradition of Mushairas in deserts of foreign lands. Earlier the event started with Hafiz Shahid Ali Khan reciting some verses of the Holy Qur›an, and Haleem Babar and Hafez Khaja Aleemuddin presenting Naats. Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, president of AIUS, delivered the welcome address. He explained the activities of AIUS. Mohammed Rafiq, vice president of AIUS, also spoke. Mohammed Azizuddin, vice president for education, conducted the proceedings and Poet Khaja Masiuddin Abu Nabil led the Mushaira. Syed Khalid Kareem, general secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.
