ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a conference on Tuesday paid tributes to Akbar Allahabadi for his services to the Urdu language.

The conference on “Akbar Allahabadi: historical and cultural perspective” was organised by the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) on his death centenary.

Eminent poet Iftikhar Arif presided over the event whereas Dr Tehseen Faraqi (Lahore) and Sarfraz Shahid (Islamabad) were the chief guests.

Dr Rauf Parekh, NLPD Director General NLPD, presented the welcome note. Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir (Islamabad), Dr Tanzeemul Firdous (Karachi) and Dr Sofia Khushk (Islamabad) were among the speakers.

Dr Parekh said Akbar Allahabadi was the poet who spoke of the clash between local and western civilisations in the subcontinent a hundred years ago.

“Later western thinkers also came up with the same idea. Akbar was concerned with defending our civilisation and culture which he presented in his satirical and humorous style,” he said.

Iftikhar Arif stated Akhbar Allahabadi is known as the greatest satirical poet of Urdu literature. The struggle which Akbar put up with his pen to save the Muslim society from the cultural invasion of the West remains an important chapter of our history.

Dr Tehsin Firaqi said Akbar Allahabadi was the focus of Iqbal’s attention and an unmatched poet of the 20th century.

“You can find few poets in Urdu poetry with such a strong faith in God and a vision like Akbar. The existence of such poets is a source of pride for any society. Akbar’s personality portrays a strong focused mind,” he said.

Sarfraz Shahid said Akbar Allahabadi always worked for the promotion of the Urdu language. Urdu’s humorous poetry found a new genre through his poetical works.

Dr Abdul Aziz Sahir said Akbar Allahabadi did not oppose western education but he was against adopting western culture.

Dr Tanzeemul Firdous added that like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Mirza Ghalib, Akbar Allahabadi is also an important part of cultural history.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2021