KARACHI, Nov 23: Ali Irfan Abedi, a poet and story writer, launched collection of his verses 'Qata-i-Sukhan' at the Arts Council on Monday.
Dr Farman Fatehpuri, in his discourse on the occasion, lauded the poet as "a responsible citizen" and one "who suffered life in many ways while passing through its trials and tribulations." Ali Irfan was an optimist and had kept his eyes on future, Dr Fatehpuri added.
Ms Naushaba Siddiqui, an educationist, who conducted the proceedings, introduced the poet and spoke highly of his human qualities. Prof Haroon Rashid, Naqqash kazmi, Agha Masud Hussain and Ms Razia Hikmat, a college teacher from Mirpurkhas, also spoke on the occasion.
A souvenir was presented to Mr Abedi from 'Arakeen-i-bazm-i-Imroz' to recall the memories spanning around five decades, when the 'Bazm', founded by late Afzal Siddiqui, a writer, poet and journalist, engaged with the Urdu daily, Imroz, was very much active.
With Mr Abedi, Ms Naushaba and other speakers nostalgically remembering their teacher and mentor Afzal Siddiqui, who would guide and encourage young creative writers, the ceremony looked like a 're-union' of former members of Bazm-i-Imroz, emotionally tied in a lasting bond of love.
The speakers had many things to remember, including some pranks of their childhood. The longest speeches came from Prof Haroon Rashid and from Agha Masud Hussain, proving the point that early teaching really worked.
Ali Irfan Abedi talked about his experiments in different forms of poetry, besides his science fiction 'Insanoon ki Taaza fasel'. He also recited ghazals and verses of his choice.
