Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar unveils poetry collection by Doha-based poetess

Qatar Tribune

01-07-2025

Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, the oldest literary organisation in Qatar (established in 1959), and devoted to the promotion of the Urdu language and literature, hosted the launch of the second poetry collection 'Arzoo Ka Dia' by Doha-based poetess Samreen Nadeem Samar at the DusitD2 Salwa Doha.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of HE Muhammad Aamer, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, who unveiled the book and addressed the gathering with insightful reflections on the depth and richness of Urdu literature.
In his thoughtful address, the ambassador spoke of the deep cultural and emotional associations the Urdu language fosters and stressed the role of literature in shaping identity and values. His eloquent tribute to the Urdu language, coupled with his heartfelt appreciation for Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar's unwavering dedication to its preservation and promotion, was received with widespread admiration and warm applause.
Earlier, the programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Fayaz Bukhari Kamal.
The event's proceedings were conducted by noted writer and literary critic and Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar's Chairman Dr Faisal Hanif. He welcomed the guests, poets, and essayists and opened the event by reciting a poem by the great poet and maestro of Urdu Josh Malihabadi's poem describing the beauty of Urdu language while two of Josh's great granddaughters, daughters of well-known poet and writer Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, were sitting among the audiences.
One of the highlights of the evening was the insightful essays presented by noted literary figures Shabbar Ali, Rana Anwar Ali, Farzana Safdar, Zeenat Lakhani, Riyaz Ahmed Bakali and Sheraz Ahmed Bakali.
The stage was graced by Abdul Rahman Nadeem, Professor Ghazanfar Ali, Irshad Ahmed, along with the previously mentioned speakers.
The event was presided over by acclaimed writer and poet Sheraz Ahmed Bakali, Samreen honoured as the esteemed guest of the evening.
The essayists shared their reflections on the poetry collection, offering insightful perspectives on Samreen's work. They highlighted her exploration of a wide array of poetic themes and praised the distinctive qualities that make her poetry both poignant and evocative. The poetic tributes by Manzoor Azmi and Muzaffar Nayab further captivated the audience, highlighting the nuanced beauty of Samreen's work.
Dr Faisal commented on the beauty of poetry and its ability to inspire and uplift. He emphasised the power of imagination in the context of art and specifically how imagination fuels poetry quoting examples of classic Urdu poets including Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, Aatish and many others, enabling poets to create vivid worlds and evoke powerful emotions and the process of engaging readers' imaginations through language and metaphors, making poetry a deeply personal experience.
Dr Hanif expressed his views about Samreen's poetry and the passion with which she has been through this literary journey.
To illustrate the transformative power of passion in poetry, Dr Hanif recalled Mir Taqi Mir's verse on Farhad, the fabled lover who carved mountains not by might, but through unrelenting passion. With this preamble, he invited Samreen to the stage.
With heartfelt gratitude, Samreen thanked the Bazm officials for their unwavering support and acknowledged the presence of the passionate Urdu enthusiasts who graced the occasion.
Samreen recited selected poems from her collection, each warmly received with enthusiastic applause. She also shared a brief yet heartfelt narrative of her literary journey, illuminating how her deep-rooted passion for literature has shaped and inspired her poetic voice.
The first segment of the book launching concluded with an engaging and thought-provoking address by Bazm's patron and noted literary enthusiast, Abdul Rahman Nadeem—whose steadfast support as Samreen's spouse has played a pivotal role in her literary journey.
Following the book launch, the stage came alive with a vibrant mushaira, as a distinguished lineup of poets—including Shahzeb Shahab, Shabbar Ali, Farzana Safdar, Samreen Nadeem Samar, Fayaz Bukhari Kamal, Rana Anwar Ali, Jamshed Ansari, Muzaffar Nayab, Mansoor Azmi, Younus Azeem, Zeenat Lakhani, Alok Kumar Srivastava Shaz Jehani, and Sheraz Ahmed Bakali—took to the stage and mesmerized the audience with their poetic expressions.
Audiences were thrilled by the beautiful poetry and poets' expressive language. All the poets were hugely applauded for their artistic work.
Dr Faisal expressed heartfelt appreciation in English to Samreen's non-Urdu-speaking relatives for their presence and support. He provided a thoughtful summary of the event and offered insightful reflections on the distinct sensibilities of Urdu poetry—particularly its rich imaginative depth and emotive resonance—contrasting it with the aesthetic nuances of English poetry.
Irshad Ahmed, Media Secretary of Bazm, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the organisation, expressing gratitude to every participant, poet, and guest whose presence and contributions made the evening a memorable success.