In the realm of literature and art, where words transcend mere expressions to become the vessels of culture & emotion. Mushaira, Seminars, and Ghazal stand as a venerable tradition. Poetic symposium, deeply rooted in South Asian heritage, has not only endured the test of time but continues to thrive as a reckoning event for poets and artists. Mushaira is not just a gathering of wordsmiths; it is a celebration of language, culture, and the profound connections that bind us all. Historically, the roots of Mushaira can be traced back to the courts of the Mughal emperors, where poets would engage in poetic duels, testing their wit and eloquence. Over the centuries, Mushaira evolved, adapting to the changing socio-cultural landscape. Today, it has become an integral part of literary events, drawing poets, artists, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.
On one such occasion, the depicted program was held in the most profound memory of one of the most prominent poets of the modern era, Mazhar Imam. He was born on March 12, 1928, in Monghyr, Bihar. Commencing in 1951, he commenced his career with a daily newspaper in Calcutta, later transitioning to All India Radio, where he retired from a prominent position in radio and television. Imam is esteemed as a contemporary poet who introduced fresh idioms and a diverse range of experiences to ghazal poetry. Distinguished by his dual role as a poet and critic, he utilized his critical acumen to craft poetry that set him apart from his peers. Imam was a trailblazer in experimenting with the free ghazal form in Urdu, even though it did not captivate poets and readers as it contradicted the essence of the traditional ghazal. Nonetheless, his foray into reshaping the conventional ghazal demonstrated his inclination towards innovation and creatively enriching literary traditions. Imam passed away in 2012.
The event was held at the Ghalib Institute, New Delhi offered by his Son Shaheer Imam and accompanied by various learned fraternities from the premier Institutes like Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Jawaharlal National University.