KARACHI
The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted a tribute ceremony in honour of renowned poet Abbas Tabish at the Haseena Moin Hall.
The ceremony was presided over by acclaimed poet Zehra Nigah, while President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, attended the event as a special guest.
The ceremony was attended by Professor Sahar Ansari, Fariha Naqvi, Wajeeh Sani, Ahmed Salman, prominent poets, writers and other distinguished literary personalities. Dr. Ambreen Haseeb Amber conducted the proceedings. Addressing the gathering, Zehra Nigah said that there is often talk about the decline of the traditional mushaira, but whenever a good poet presents a ghazal or poem, the literary gathering comes alive once again.
Referring to Abbas Tabish, she said that through his poetry, he had carried the entire mushaira on his shoulders.
Zehra Nigah observed that at times, a single couplet becomes a poet’s identity because “a good poem never dies”. Appreciating Abbas Tabish’s poetry, she praised his work and acknowledged his contribution to contemporary Urdu literature. Speaking on the occasion, Abbas Tabish said that Muhammad Ahmed Shah had always honoured him with affection and respect.
However, among all the honours he had received in his life, the greatest honour for him was the presence of Zehra Nigah at the ceremony. He said that the affection, guidance and kindness of senior literary figures were a precious asset for him.
“Respect for our elders is what makes us great; there is no substitute for it,” he said. He urged the younger generation to remain connected with classical literature and the traditions established by senior poets, stressing that the progress of literature is possible only when it remains rooted in its foundations and traditions.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that the presence of Zehra Nigah and Abbas Tabish had made the evening truly memorable. He said that literary programmes in Urdu, Sindhi and other languages were being held regularly at the Arts Council, while the tradition of paying tribute to senior literary figures was also continuing.
He announced that a special event with Ahmed Salman would be held on September 15. He said that the literary and cultural activities initiated at the Arts Council must continue in the future so that hatred based on language, ethnicity, religion and gender could be reduced and cultural values could be passed on to the younger generation.
Appreciating Abbas Tabish’s poetry and humility, Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that the evening dedicated to his poetry would be remembered for a long time.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi presented bouquets to renowned poet Zehra Nigah and Abbas Tabish as a gesture of honour and appreciation.
