Farah Rais Alvi
An evening with Professor Rais Alvi was held on December 21, 2018, at the residence of Adnan Mirza (and this Reporter) in North Shore, Auckland with the cooperation of Bazm e Adab and Indian Newslink.
Called, ‘Ek Sham Rais Alvi Ke Naam’ (‘An Evening in the name of Rais Alvi’), it was an event to remember.
Celebrated Poet and author
Professor Rais Alvi is an eminent poet, writer, and author of a number of books on Japanese literature and Poetry.
The evening, with invited guests, witnessed an amazing Mushaira and a wonderful musical performance by the artistes, in the presence of literary and political maestros.
They included former Member of Parliament and Chief Guest Mahesh Bindra, Tauqir Khan (known to Indian Newslink readers as ‘Payami’), Roopa Suchdev and other leaders of the community.
Mr Mirza (and this Reporter) welcomed the gathering with floral tributes to Guests of Honour, followed a Guftugu (Conversation) Session with Professor Alvi.
This session was hosted by Dr Yousuf Hayat.
The Q&A Session on the life and works of Professor Mohammad Rais Alvi was interesting and informative.
Soulful Music
The evening proceeded with the musical performance of Auckland’s famous Nisar Mirza’s ghazals and songs. Distinct flavours were added by Arif and Joseph with their unique style of late Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar.
Past and Contemporary Poetry
The Mushaira began with Ghazals by Master of Ceremonies Dr Yousuf Hayat.
Among the participants were Payami, Rehana Yousuf, Waqar Qureshi from Whakatane, Hanan Khan, Irfan and Atta ur Rehman Qureshi from Melbourne.
The final touches were given by Professor Alvi who presented his Haiku and Ghazals which were highly appreciated by the audience.
Mr Bindra lauded the efforts of Mr Mirza this Reporter for organising a great literary and musical evening.
Among the highlights of ‘Ek Sham Rais Alvi Ke Naam’ was the high tea served the Mirza family including Adnan, this Reporter, Hassan, Nisaa and Nusha.
(Pictures Supplied)
