A Tribute to Saadi Shirazi: Understanding the Persian Impact on Urdu Language with Professor Rafia Shabnam Abidi
The symposium was presided over by Professor Rafia Shabnam Abidi, a distinguished poet and writer in the realm of Urdu literature. During the event, Mr. Hassani Mohseni Fard, the Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other dignitaries, launched Professor Abidi's book 'Shakh Nabat', which features poetic translations of Saadi Shirazi's works. In her presidential address, Professor Abidi emphasized the significant impact of Persian on the development of Urdu, illustrating her points with various examples. She remarked that the removal of most Persian words from Urdu would strip the language of its elegance, delicacy, and sweetness. She likened Urdu to a beautiful scarf, suggesting that Persian has adorned it with stars and jewels. Her insightful discussion on Saadi Shirazi's poetry, as well as his artistic and personal qualities, resonated deeply with the engaged audience.
A Tribute to Saadi Shirazi: Understanding the Persian Impact on Urdu Language with Professor Rafia Shabnam Abidi
Organized by the Mumbai Urdu Caravan and the Khana Farhang of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran Culture House), this event honored Khwaja Hafiz Saadi Shirazi, a preeminent figure in Persian literature, as well as a philosopher, traveler, and Sufi saint. In line with Iranian customs, the gathering was held on April 21, the date traditionally recognized as Saadi's birthday. Notably, a famous verse by Sheikh Saadi is inscribed on the entrance of the United Nations General Assembly hall.
The symposium was presided over by Professor Rafia Shabnam Abidi, a distinguished poet and writer in the realm of Urdu literature. During the event, Mr. Hassani Mohseni Fard, the Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other dignitaries, launched Professor Abidi's book 'Shakh Nabat', which features poetic translations of Saadi Shirazi's works.
In her presidential address, Professor Abidi emphasized the significant impact of Persian on the development of Urdu, illustrating her points with various examples. She remarked that the removal of most Persian words from Urdu would strip the language of its elegance, delicacy, and sweetness. She likened Urdu to a beautiful scarf, suggesting that Persian has adorned it with stars and jewels. Her insightful discussion on Saadi Shirazi's poetry, as well as his artistic and personal qualities, resonated deeply with the engaged audience.
Dr. Muhammad Qamar Alam, the chief guest of the symposium and a member of the Persian Department at Aligarh Muslim University, addressed the audience by stating, “The core of Saadi’s teachings revolves around humanity, ethics, justice, kindness, humility, contentment, gratitude, repentance, and genuine love. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between religion and the secular world. Saadi conveyed these principles so effectively through his poetry and prose that even today, his words resonate deeply with the heart and soul.”
In a scholarly address, Dr. Mufti Muhammad Alauddin Qadri, a PhD in Sufism, explored various dimensions of Saadi Shirazi’s poetry from a scientific perspective, integrating religious and contemporary insights. He urged all enthusiasts of Urdu, researchers of Persian, and scholars of linguistics to engage with Saadi’s poetry, asserting that its moral wisdom serves as a guiding light for seekers of knowledge worldwide.
At the beginning of the event, Farid Ahmed Khan, the organizer and founding president of the 'Urdu Caravan' organization, outlined the purpose of the gathering. He noted that this was the first public event in Mumbai dedicated to the art and personality of Saadi Shirazi, with plans for future initiatives. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Iran Culture House Mumbai and Islam Gymkhana, as well as the support from Urdu newspapers, which contributed to the success of this historically significant academic discussion. He also thanked the esteemed audience from Mumbai's Urdu community, the media, and the leadership of both the Iran Culture House and Islam Gymkhana, particularly Advocate Yousef Abrahani, the president of Islam Gymkhana.
Mr. Hassan Mohsenifard, the acting Councel General of the Islamic Republic of Iran,Mumbai shared his reflections, stating, “India and Iran have maintained a historically friendly relationship for centuries. The shared heritage of Urdu and Persian can further strengthen this bond, and this unique event exemplifies that connection.”
Earlier, Mohammad Reza Fazel, Director of the Iran Culture House Mumbai, expressed his appreciation to the Urdu Caravan, Islam Gymkhana, and the attendees for their enthusiastic participation in the event.
The gathering, organized to honor and celebrate "Saadi Shirazi," was meticulously arranged by Shoaib Abji, the Vice President of Urdu Caravan.
Notable attendees included AMP President Aamir Idrisi, IITA Mumbai President Ilyas Khan, Saeed Khan from Right Way and Samajwadi Party, Farooq Syed, editor-in-chief of Gul Bute, senior poets Irfan Jafari and Haroon Afroz (Executive Editor of Sahafat Daily, Mumbai), Ghulam Arif Khan, Chairman of the Community Talking Platform, Dr. Qamar-ul-Hassan Rizvi, President of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, renowned Urdu and Marathi poet Qasim Nadeem, celebrated ghazal singer Ashraf Sheikh, Maulana Abdul Salam Khan Qasmi, esteemed writer Maulana Arif Omari, Muhammad Wajihuddin from the Times of India, Abdul Qayyum Naeemi, Suleman Khan, and members of the Urdu Caravan Executive Council, including Principal Ms. Saira Khan and Ms. Tabassum Nadkar, along with Waqar Ahmed. Additionally, educators from various institutions, such as Wasim Sheikh, Ahmed Shah, Abdullah, Ishtiaq, and Irfan, were present.
A significant number of Urdu enthusiasts attended the gathering, particularly students and teachers from the English Language Diploma program at the Markaz Al-Ma'arif Institute, who demonstrated their commitment to education.
The historic and memorable literary gathering concluded with heartfelt thanks from Farid Ahmed Khan, the President of Urdu Caravan.
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