New Delhi, Dec 8 (IANS): Cherishing the beauty and charm of the Urdu language, the 52nd Shankar-Shad Mushaira is all set to enthrall audiences in the national capital with its mushaira and poetry reading sessions.

To be held on December 16 at Modern School, the annual get-together is a legacy to commemorate the memory of Shankar Lall and Murli Dhar, who were known for their contribution to the social, educational and cultural life of New Delhi and as patrons of Urdu poetry.

This year, poets like Javed Akhtar, Anwar Jalalpuri, Munawwar Rana, Prof. Waseem Barelvi and many other renowned artists are expected to be a part of the line-up.

Mushaira will showcase the well-renowned Urdu poets who would be reciting their best poetry or shayari. Legendry poets like Josh Malihabadi, Jigar Moradabadi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Kaifi Azmi, Ali Sardar Jafri and a host of other eminent poets have enriched the mushairas with their compositions over the years.

"This language and culture in its entirety, along with the art of oration need to be preserved and nurtured against the face of extinction. In recent years, we have seen the revival of the language on a big scale with various literary festivals and events that are being organized and are delighted that we have been able to contribute in keeping a small slice of this tradition alive through our endeavor of the 'Shankar-Shad Mushaira'," Madhav B Shriram, Chairman, Shankar Lall Murli Dhar Society and Director said in a statement.

Shankar Lall Murli Dhar Memorial Society which was formed in 1953 has been holding annual mushairas and providing a platform for poets (both veterans and budding) from India and abroad to present their poetry for Urdu connoisseurs.