Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 14: The Majlis-e-Farogh-e-Urdu, a promotion of Urdu literary forum presented its coveted 15th Alami Award to India's noted poet, writer, film lyricist and director Sampooran Singh Kalra alias Gulzar who is known for his poetic sensibility and contribution to Urdu language at the Majlise Auditorium of Sheraton Hotel.
This mushaira has been dedicated to the famous revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz whose centennial celebrations are being held throughout the world in 2011.
Instituted in 1996, the International Award for Urdu Literature, comprises of a gold and a cash award of Riyals 150,000 is given annually to Urdu creative writer, scholar for their contribution to promotion of Urdu language and literature.
Moosa Zainal, advisor to the Ministry of culture, arts and heritage was the chief guest. The programme was presided over by Padma Bhushan, former chairman of Sahitya Academy of India and renowned writer, poet, scholar, Dr Gopi Chand Narang.
Gulzar stole the show by presenting his select poetry. The guest poets from India included, Manzar Bhopali, F S Ijaz, Dr Kalim Qaisar, popular Meeruthi and Shabina Adib, and the poets from Pakistan Dr Peerzada Qasim, Mohd Aslam Kausari, Wasi Shah, Dr Manzoor Rizvi, Zahid Fakhri, Nadim Majid and Jahan Ara Tabassum. Canada based Urdu scholar Dr Taqi Abidi and Qatar based Farid Nadvi, Farzana Safdar (Qatar Radio) recited their couplets.
The Pakistan Ambassador Mohammed Sarfraz Khanzada and Charge D' Affairs Indian Embassy, Sanjiv Kohli were present.