LAHORE: An Urdu poetry collection titled ‘Taloo-i-Zindagi Tum Ho’ by Sain Manzoor Haider was launched at the Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, on Tuesday.

The book launch-cum-musical evening was organised by the Caravan, a non-government organisation, in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajmal Niazi, who presided over the event, held Sain Manzoor Haider (late) in high esteem for the fresh thoughts and metaphors that he had introduced in his poetry. He said a kind of sadness could be found in Haider’s poetry and sadness in itself was a civilisation.

Writer Nasir Adeem said Haider’s poetry carried both classical and contemporary ingredients. Sadness and regret were woven deep in the essence of his thought process, he added.

Poet Farhat Abbas Shah was of the view that Haider’s poetry was a rich narrative of life. The poet, Shah said, had intermingled his religious and cultural experiences and there were strong references to Karbala in his collection.

Dr Ghafir Shehzad was of the view that Haider’s poetry had such a forceful message for humanity at large as it would keep him alive for times to come.

Writer Ali Nawaz Shah and Professor Shafique Ahmed also spoke.

Some college students recited ghazals of Sain Manzoor Haider while the launch concluded as singer Aqeel Manzoor sang ghazals of the poet.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2015

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