KARACHI: Ninety-two year old Tabish Dehlavi was warmly received and given a standing ovation as he firmly stood at the rostrum to recite his poetry before an eager audience at Sadeqain Institute (opposite NIPA) on Saturday.

The great lyricist, lexicologist, writer and broadcaster which Tabish is — his chromatic voice which came ringing through seven decades was strong as ever. He showed no sign of tiredness as his fans among the packed house kept asking for more.

Dr Manzoor Ahmad was in the chair and he felt “honoured” to be invited there. Tabish Saheb to him was the man of culture, the guide and teacher of three generations. He said one did not need to go to him for learning since his voice on air was heard everywhere, and his poetry and prose teaching godliness, tolerance, love and respect for all humans were found in his six published volumes.

Deed paz deed, Tabish Saheb’s life account in prose was quite popular. He was the legate of a culture nurtured not only by Urdu, but it had its roots in Persian too.

Referring to the article read out earlier by Anwer Ahsen Siddiqui, recalling the humane and literary culture of Karachi during the decades of 50s and 60s, Dr Manzoor said he had ‘re-learnt Urdu from Tabish Dehlavi. Zakir Ali Khan admired Tabish for his affectionate manners and his immense knowledge of poetry. Among others who paid compliments to the chief guest of the evening included Muslim Shamim who read a paper on the prose of the master poet. Raghib Moradabadi and Naeem Merathi paid their respect to Tabish Saheb in their verses. Javed Manzer during the compering recounted the awards received by Tabish Saheb over the decades. Presidential award, a belated recognition of the senior most poet came in 1998.

Zafer Mohiuddin, general secretary of Bazeme Kahkashan, welcomed the guests. The reception was hosted jointly by Daira-i-Adabo Saqafat and the Dhaka Group of Institutions. Now a couplet from the old master:

Tareeqay zulm ke sayyad ney sarey badal dalay,

Jo taer urh naheen saktey unhey azad kartey hain.

And another line: Gham ka Izhar to sholoon pa zaban rakhna hai. — Hasan Abidi