Syed Mussarat Khalil Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Poetry plays important role in bring people close to each other. Bazm-e-Ittehad Jeddah (BIJ), a famous literary, social and charitable organization of Indian expatriate community in Jeddah, organized its fourth annual Mushaira (poetry recitation) Bayaad Salar-e-Millat in memory of Salar-e-Millat, late Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, Friday. The members of the BIJ also celebrated their Silver Jubilee and launched a grand souvenir on the occasion. Ahmeduddin Owaisi, president BIJ Saudi Arabia and Canada, presided over the gathering while Tariq Abdul Hameed Mashkhas, editor-in-chief of Urdu news, was the chief guest. Syed Imtiaz Jaleel, the newly elected MLA in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Aurangabad, and Waris Yousuf Pathan, MLA from Byculla, Mumbai, both also elected in All India Majlis-e-Ittehad ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) were the guests of honor. Speaking at the inaugural session, Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, general secretary; Hasan Bayazeed Ather, convener Mushaira; Ubaidur Rehman, vice president; and Dr. Syed Ali Mahmoud, chief patron welcomed and thanked the guests, poets and audience. The function began with the recitation of a few verses from the Qur'an by Mohammed Noor. Naat was presented by Mohammed Aminuddin Ansari. While addressing a packed auditorium of poetry lovers, top literary and media personalities, Jaleel said: "My success was by the blessing of Allah and due to your prayers. Otherwise it was not easy to win in Maharashtra because peoples have lost all hopes and were thinking that Muslim leadership would not be alive again. But we should be grateful to Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi and brother Akbaruddin Owaisi who brought out Muslim leadership in Maharashtra." He added: "A time was came when other political parties were saying that anyone other would be acceptable but AIMIM candidate should not enter the state assembly. He assured Asaduddin Owaisi that in the next election he will give AIMIM more seats in the Maharashtra assembly." Jaleel thanked Ahmaduddin and other members for giving him the honor and Salar-e-Millat award 2015. He said: "Your honor and love has put on me more responsibilities and pressure to serve you." Waris Yousuf Pathan described his struggle and difficulties which he faced during election in Mumbai. Describing the dynamic personality of Asaduddin Owaisi, he said: "Under his able leadership AIMIM is getting popularity in all over India and soon the day will come when AIMIM will be recognized as a state level party in India (God willing). You will feel proud that you belong to a Muslim party, a secular party and have a leader such as Asaduddin Owaisi." Expressing his gratitude to Urdu poetry lovers, Ahmaduddin Owaisi and BIJ members, he advised all Indian Muslims to unite and support AIMIM in the forthcoming election in UP. He said: "By 2017 AIMIM mayor will be in Mumbai Municipal cooperation." He also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Salman and all Saudi ministries for their help and support to the Indian community in their social activities in the Kingdom. After the traditional lighting of the candle by Mashkhas, the Mushaira kicked off. Famous poet Shafiq Abidi conducted the Mushaira and entertained the audience with his classic couplets and comments. Renowned poets from India who graced the occasion with prominent local poets to recite their poetry were Naeem Akhtar Burhanpuri, Rubab Rashidi, Dr. Anjum Bara bankavi, Aga Sarosh, Waheed Pasha Qadari and Syed Alamdar Rizwi. Local poets were Dr. Syed Naeem Hamid Ali Al-Hamid, Mujahid Syed, Naeem Bazidpuri, Ather Nafees Abbasi, Dr. Aleem Khan Falki, Mahtab Qader, Sadiq Kirmani, Dr. Mohammed Karim Baibani, Nasir Burni, Anwar Ansari and Altaf Shaheryar. The first poet was the young Altaf Shaheryar who warmed the hearts of the audience with his sentimental couplets, which were appreciated by all. Hamain Izhar karna chahiya tha Palat ker waar karna chahiya tha Hokomat kardiya us kay hawalay Jisay sansar karna chahiya tha A few couplets of Sajid Kirman's oriented style poetry. Khatain hein meri fitrat main ye kis nay kahdiya foqolbasher houn. Waheed Pasha Shah Qadri, who is famous for his humorous verses, entertained the audience by taking jibes at the social and economical issues of the county. Majlis nay ghosa es tara mara hay doostoun her larnay wala "Amma" pukara hay doostoun Tum tu chai walay ho Achay din kia laogay Puchti hay ye bevi kub talay gi mahangai Khati dal aur paaper kub tu khilaogay. Syed Alamdar Rizvi, the most impressive poet of the evening, recited Ghazals and and romantic couplets. Bus Aik Harfay Tamunnai bohat hay Mairay Haq main ye Ruswai bhoat hay Salamt ho Agar Ahsaas Apna Tu main bhi Ghahrai bohat hay. Gham ki dunya ko humnawa kerna per mohabbat ka housala kerna Dr. Aleem Khan Falki spoke on various social issues. Khaab-e-Ghaflat say jaganay waloun Jag jao zara khud bhi jafanay waloun Mashalain houngi mairy hath main aik rose Aleem Souch lo aAj mairay ghar ko jalanay waloun. The five-hour long Mushaira kept the audience mesmerized all along.