Kuvempu University Shimoga to host state seminar and Naatiya Mushaira

Shimoga (Press Release): A one-day state-level Urdu seminar, inaugural ceremony, and Naatiya Mushaira were organized with great dignity and academic grandeur by the Department of Urdu, Kuvempu University, Shimoga, in collaboration with Sahyadri Arts College. The theme of the seminar was "From Prose to Naat: S M Aquil". The event was attended by a large number of university teachers, researchers, litterateurs, poets, and students from various districts of the state.

The session was presided over by Mr. A L Manjunath, Registrar, Kuvempu University, Shimoga. In his presidential address, he expressed his ardent love for the Urdu language, stating that his relationship with Urdu is not just formal but a heartfelt attachment. Therefore, he considers it a privilege to participate in every program of Urdu students. He feels delighted to see the activities of the Department of Urdu and its students. During his speech, he also recited several Naat verses, which were highly appreciated by the audience. Mr. Manjunath assured that he would provide all possible support for the overall development of the Urdu department.

Renowned poet, Dr. Amjad Hussain Hafiz Karnataki, launched the Naatiya collection "Nida-e-Rehmat". In his brief yet comprehensive speech, he said that today's gathering provides a beautiful opportunity for a serious discussion on Naatiya poetry, courtesy of the launch of Shah Madar Aquil's Naatiya collection. Professor Aquil is a man of character and a true patron of art and literature. He is a servant and leader of language and literature. His presence has brought spring to Shimoga. He has a passion for criticism and a love for poetry. He is filled with the love of the Prophet. His Naats are a world of devotion, filled with the fragrance of the Prophet's biography. He is restless in the separation of Yathrib and Madina. His verses are tearful with his pain. These Naats are a testament to his love for the Prophet, a reflection of his heart and emotions. This collection of Naats is not only a spiritual nourishment but also a symbol of faith. I am confident that these Naats will be a treasure for him in the hereafter, a solace for his eyes, and a comfort for the restless hearts of the people. I pray that Allah accepts his efforts, makes it a means of salvation for him, and a guiding light for others.

In the keynote address, Professor Hamid Akbar discussed various technical and intellectual aspects of Naatiya literature. He said that Naat writing is a delicate and challenging genre of poetry that requires utmost caution and conscious responsibility. He presented translations of Ahadith and references, shedding light on the Naatiya poetry of Hazrat Hassan bin Thabit. He also recited selected verses of Naat poets from Karnataka and mentioned the literary services of Hazrat Khwaja Bandanawaz Gisudaraz.

Mr. Mudassar Ahmed, Editor of Daily Aaj Ka Inqilab, Shimoga, presented his views as a commentator, appreciating the academic standard and significance of the seminar. Syndicate member, Mr. Masoor Bashah, assured that the vacant posts in the Urdu department would be filled soon, stating that he wants the Urdu department to flourish and is making every possible effort to achieve this goal.

The program was conducted by Ms. Shabina Talat with great elegance and dignity. In the concluding remarks, Professor Aqil Shah Madar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guests, paper presenters, poets, and all participants who attended from far and wide.

The seminar featured research papers by Dr. Dawood Mushtaq, Qamaruddin Qamar, Dr. Shakila Gori Khan, Dr. Shabina Talat, Dr. Afaque Alam Siddiqui, Dr. Manzoor Noman, Dr. Yasin Rahi, Dr. Manzoor Dakni, Rabia Begum, Dr. Asma Kausar, Suriya Begum, and Dr. Nazneen. The Naatiya Mushaira featured poets who presented their passionate and devotional Naats, including Dr. S M Aquil, Dr. Dawood Mushtaq, Qamaruddin Qamar, Munir Dil, Jalal Mahmoodi, Aleemullah Aleem, Azmatullah Azmat, Nasrat Rahim, Saraj Zebai, Dr. Manzoor Noman, Dr. Afaque Alam, Dr. Riaz Mahmood, Syed Zahir Ahmed Fana, Abidullah Athar, Dr. Syeda Nazneen Naz, Farooq Shams, and Arqam Mazhari.