Writers Forum, Kuwait

It was an evening of sheer delight and extravaganza, as seventeen poets and writers, with styles and verses as divergent as the colours of a rainbow, gathered to enthral and enrich. It was the monthly get-together of the members of the Writers’ Forum, Kuwait at the residence of its newly appointed President—Dr. M. Umer. Beg on 28th June, 2013.

Not only prose and poetry found an expression during the three-hour sojourn, but even in the realm of poetry, different styles of writing and presentation, in different languages by those belonging to different age-groups and on different themes found an expression. The General Secretary of the Forum- Rajesh Verlekar conducted the proceedings of the evening. He began by outlining the vision and agenda of the Forum for the months ahead, and sought the support and co-operation of all its members and patrons, towards the realisation of the same.

Dr. Arvind Raina, an avid poet and writer in Hindi, Dogri and English was invited to preside on the occasion and Dr. Manzar Alam—an accomplished writer in Urdu and Professor in Arabic graced the evening by being the Chief Guest. The program commenced with Sabeeha Bilgrami narrating an essay in English titled ‘The Teenage Species’ and Dr. M. U. Beg presenting a story in Urdu titled ‘Kaash’. Both the stories reflected the mindset of adolescents, but the difference between a repressive and a liberal home-atmosphere and the resulting impact on attitudes, stood out strongly.

The second session was one of vibrant hues in poetry, reflecting moods varying from romance to heart-ache to philosophy and political satire. Amir Diwan, Dr. Navniit Gandhi, and Umesh Sharma presented their respective poetry in Hindi, while Satya Prakash and Rajesh Verlekar presented poetry in Tamil and English respectively. Those stalwarts who recited their creations in Urdu included Afroz Alam, Masood Hassaas, Syed Nazar Kadpawwi, Sunil Sonsi, Sabir Galsulkar, Mufazaal Husain, Qamar Minto, Ibrahim Sange raja, and Madam Nuzhat Kidwai.

Amongst other guests who were present, noted writer, poet and critique- Maimuna Ali Chogule too gave her valuable inputs and comments.

The Chief Guest for the evening, Dr. Manzar Alam then recited an Arabic poem written by a well-known Arab poet, and presented its English translation. He then presented his own poetry in Urdu and also expressed his appreciation of the thrust and essence of the Writers’ Forum and its meetings which were deeply divergent and enriching. Dr. Arvind Raina also congratulated the Forum for retaining its rich character and spirit over the past twenty years. He also expressed delight at the different forms of poetry and the different shades of emotions that were heard during the evening. He then presented his own poetry in Hindi.