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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 16, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

A NIGHT OF VERSE AND SOLIDARITY:

Chicago’s Urdu Mushaira Unites Hearts

OUR BUREAU

Chicago, IL
n the evening of May 3, 2025,
the National India Hub in
OSchaumburg transformed into
a vibrant tapestry of poetry, culture,
and unity as it hosted An Evening of
Unity – Urdu Mushaira & Cultural
Night. This soul-stirring event, bought
by the host Iftekhar Shareef was or-
ganized by Ashfaq Sharief, Khurram
Syed, and Mohammed Hafeez, drew a
diverse crowd to celebrate the timeless
beauty of Urdu poetry while fostering
a powerful message of peace and soli-
darity. From evocative verses to heart- whose media coordination ensured
felt tributes, the night resonated with widespread coverage, amplifying the
the spirit of community, transcending mushaira’s message.
borders and beliefs. Dr. Noor Amrohvi is A Literary
The evening was graced by Chief Icon and Community Leader in Dal-
[Host] Guest: Iftekhar Shareef, First las. He is a distinguished poet and
Overseas Citizen of India, Guest of businessman originally from India,
honor Ausaf Sayeed, a prominent has emerged as one of the most prom-
community leader, and former Con- inent literary figures in the Dallas, Tex-
sul General of India in Chicago. The as area. As the chairman of Al-Noor
event, which commenced at 7:00 PM, International, he has made significant
was a houseful affair, with attendees contributions to Urdu literature and
eagerly awaiting performances by lu- culture, organizing acclaimed inter-
minaries such as Imran Pratapgarhi, a national events like “An Evening for
celebrated poet and Member of Par- Peace and Unity.” Known for his pop-
liament from India, and Lata Haya, ular poetry, prestigious awards, and
a poetic powerhouse from Bombay. widely attended mushairas, Dr. Noor
Joining them were international guest gnant moment of silence, led by Ash- vor, earning thunderous applause. continues to be a celebrated voice for
Sohail Zarrar from London, UK, Dr faq Sharief, to honor the victims of a Pratapgarhi’s ability to blend social the Urdu-Hindi speaking community.
Noor Amrohvi from Dallas, Texas, recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, commentary with poetic finesse left Beyond poetry, the evening was
and local Chicago poets, including Na- Kashmir. Followed by the U.S. and the audience spellbound. a cultural feast, with delectable food
zar Naqvi, Kashif Haidar, Dr. Lateef Indian National Anthem. This solemn Lata Haya’s soulful recitations available to complement the soulful
Saif, Mehboob Ali, and Fahad Khan. tribute set the tone for the evening, added a lyrical charm, while Sohail ambiance. The audience, a vibrant mix
Amplifying this call for peace, Sha- as poets and attendees united in con- Zarrar brought an international flair, of ages and backgrounds, remained
reef addressed the persistent scourge demning terrorism and advocating for reflecting Urdu’s global resonance. engaged despite a delayed start due
of terrorism, particularly India’s en- peace. Iftekhar Shareef emphasized, Local poet Fahad Khan opened the to traffic challenges. Organizers apol-
during struggle. “We’ve gathered to “Urdu is a language for everyone, mushaira with verses like, “We tried ogized for the inconvenience, promis-
condemn the terrorist act in Kashmir irrespective of religion Hindu, Mus- enmity with ourselves again / Tired of ing an even grander event in the future
last week,” he declared. “Terrorism lim, Christian, Sikh. It bridges hearts life, we tried suicide,” striking a chord to accommodate Pratapgarhi’s mas-
has no place in the world, regardless through Bollywood songs, poetry, and with their raw emotion. The perfor- sive fan base, which sold out tickets in
of the country. India has faced this for shared culture.” His words echoed the mances, moderated by Ashar Mehdi, just days.
over 70 years, and we earnestly plead: event’s theme of unity, highlighting flowed seamlessly, with each poet con- The mushaira concluded with a
this must not recur. We urge govern- Urdu’s universal appeal. tributing to the evening’s rich mosaic standing ovation for the poets and or-
ments, the global community, and Imran Pratapgarhi, a star of the of thought and feeling. ganizers, followed by the national an-
the President of the United States to night, captivated the audience with his Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, reflecting on thems of the USA and India, symbol-
denounce such acts.” Highlighting Im- powerful nazms and ghazals. His poem his deep connection to Urdu, shared, izing the shared values of both nations.
ran Pratapgarhi’s presence, Iftekhar Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua reimagined Al- “My father and uncle were renowned Flowers were presented to the guest
Shareef praised the poet’s dynamic lama Iqbal’s classic, weaving a heart- poets in Chicago. Urdu is not just a poets, and Minhaj Akhtar, President
leadership in joining this unified stand felt prayer for peace in conflict-torn language; it’s a legacy of unity.” He of the IOC Committee - Midwest re-
against violence, elevating the mushai- regions like Palestine. “When bullets praised the organizers for creating gion, joined in honoring the perform-
ra’s message to a global stage. fly anywhere, it is humanity that dies,” a platform that celebrates cultural ers. Iftekhar Shareef’s closing remarks
The event was emceed by Ashfaq he declared, urging the world to em- diversity, noting Chicago’s growing reiterated the event’s commitment to
Sharief. Dr. Noor Amrohvi and Ashar brace love over hatred. His Lal Qila prominence as a hub for Urdu litera- fostering peace and cultural harmony,
Mehdi did the Nezamat for the poets. personifying the Red Fort as a witness ture. The event also acknowledged the leaving attendees inspired and uplifted.
The mushaira began with a poi- to India’s history, stirred patriotic fer- contributions of Asian Media USA, --Asian Media USA

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