Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Celebrates Legacy of Mir Taqi Mir

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a vibrant literary event titled “Mir Sahib’s Poetry and Our Era” at the Haseena Moin Hall, honoring the timeless legacy of the revered poet Mir Taqi Mir. The session, which attracted a significant gathering of scholars, writers, and cultural figures, was presided over by the esteemed poetess Zehra Nigah. A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan, further enriching the proceedings.

In her presidential address, Zehra Nigah brought attention to the relevance of classical poets in the contemporary age. “In this age of artificial intelligence, where do Mir and Iqbal stand?” she pondered, expressing the necessity for discussions that spotlight classical poets for the benefit of new generations. She cited Firaq’s observation that every poet carries Mir within their heart, though many hesitate to express it due to personal weaknesses. “Mir’s poetry is pure and free from superficiality, born from true passion,” she noted, emphasizing the profound advice Mir received from his father about dedicating his life to a transformative love. Wrapping up her address, Nigah recited verses from Mir, much to the delight of the audience.

President Muhammad Ahmed Shah praised Zehra Nigah as a pillar of literature, stating, “I have learned immensely from her,” and expressed gratitude to Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan for his steadfast support since the inception of the International Urdu Conference. He recalled a golden era of poetry that produced luminaries such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Bulleh Shah, and Mir Taqi Mir, and announced plans for future programs celebrating Mirza Rafi Sauda and other classical greats.

Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan delivered a poignant talk, describing the experience of reading Mir’s poetry as akin to listening to one’s own heart. He highlighted Mir’s use of everyday images to convey universal truths, stating, “Poetry that resonates deeply often embarrasses us when read aloud, yet Mir spoke it openly three hundred years ago, and it remains refreshing to this day.” He emphasized that to truly grasp the essence of poetry, one must engage with the works of Mir, Ghalib, and Iqbal, remarking on the distinct voice each poet brings to the table. “Mir’s verses remind us that the heart is not merely flesh but an entire universe,” he concluded, reciting selected verses of Mir that captivated the audience.

In addition to the insightful talks, Prof. Sahar Ansari shared his favorite selections from Mir’s poetry. At the same time, Huma Jafri enchanted the audience with a melodic rendition of Mir’s ghazal “Aa ke sajjada nasheen.” The event culminated with President Muhammad Ahmed Shah presenting floral tributes to Zehra Nigah and Dr. Zia-ul-Hasan, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the literary community and the enduring legacy of Mir Taqi Mir.