RAWALPINDI: Speakers at a conference on Thursday paid tributes to renowned poet Josh Malihabadi and termed him a source of inspiration for the young generation who want to excel in education and bring a positive change in society through their writings.

The Josh Literary Conference was arranged to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of the legendary revolutionary poet by Josh Adabi Foundation and Josh Memorial Committee in collaboration with the Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi.

The conference was presided over by Dr Ghazanfer Mehdi while Syed Wajid Bukhari and Chairman Qamar Jehan Foundation Dr Jamal Nasir were the chief guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mehdi said Josh Malihabadi was a great freedom fighter and created awareness among the masses about Pakistan Movement through his poetry.

Dr Jamal Nasir said poetry and prose of Josh are an integral part of literature.

Syed Wajid Bukhari said Josh was a national hero.

Farrukh Jamal and Tabasum Ikhlaq, grandson and granddaughter of Josh, spoke on the personal life of the poet.

They said the poet left behind a legacy of poetry and the new generation of poets had to follow in his footprints.

They said Josh was renowned due to his revolutionary ideas which made him the greatest poet of 20th century.

They said there was a need to get lessons from the poetry to strengthen democracy and democratic system where rights of the people would be protected.

A poetry recital was also arranged after the conference which was chaired by senior poet Naseem-i-Sahar.

Poets Wafa Chishti, Ziauddin, Tabasum Ikhlaq, Sheren Syed, Qayyum Tahir, Ahmed Zahoor, Saeel Nizami, Attiq Chishti, Tahir Baloch, Muzamil Abbas, Nasir Ali Syed and others presented their poetry paying tributes to Josh.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2019