Renowned poet from Pakistan, Ahmad Farhad organized an online Mushaira on Sunday where 11 Indian poets performed along with 11 Pakistani poets online on the Clubhouse App.
Ahmad Farhad commands a good fan following in India and Pakistan for his Urdu poetry. Farhad Invited Indian poetess Alina Itrat, Pakistani poet Saghir Safi along with Pakistani poetess Ain Naqvi as Chief guests in this India- Pakistan Mushaira’s online event on Clubhouse
Among the famous poets invited to the Mushaira were Indian Poet, Naveen Chourey who has several admirers all over the country. Mr Chourey is known for his poetry on social issues and is recognised as a revolutionary poet of this era. His poems are used as slogans in protests across the country. His poems ‘Vaastavik Kanoon’ and ‘ Kohra Ghana Hai’ are considered fine work of literature
VOI talked to Mr Chourey about this event. Mr Chourey said, “ During the first lockdown, I came across the App called Clubhouse and found several artists from the neighbouring country. We started discussing the work of Ghalib and other Urdu poets. This is how I came across Ahmad Farhad and we become friends. We had this Clubhouse Room where poets of both the countries discussed the art of poetry without any differences of nationality. We would say “ Hum na is side ke hain na uss Side ke hain, hum Sirf Poetry ki side se hain” ( We are neither from this side or that. We are only on the side of poetry.)
Mr Chourey said, “ Such events are important for the youth of both countries and such events must be acknowledged by both Countries because in those times of hatred. such events spread the true message of peace and brotherhood.”’ He also quoted “ नफरत फैलाने वाले नफरत फैलाने के लिए अगर इतनी मेहनत कर रहे हैं तो हम मोहब्बत फैलाने वालों को भी मोहब्बत फैलाने के लिए मेहनत करनी ही होगी”( If persons spreading hate are working so hard, those spreading love will also have to work hard to spread love.)
Naveen further said, “This event was special for me because surprisingly my father came to know about this event somehow and he seemed fascinated because he read “Indo-Pak” Mushaira written on the Mushaira’s event poster. ‘’
Mr Naveen told us that in the coming days, more such events will be organised, where poets of the two countries will come along together and recite poems to spread the message of peace and brotherhood in both countries. He also said “Clubhouse is a nice platform and all poets are thankful because it really gave us a platform to connect and make like-minded friends.’’
