Not only in UK, but Urdu poetry
thrives across Europe though it could be more popular. Point is that those who
want to write haven't got the time to study and put their thoughts on paper. But
those who write are being appreciated. A lot of research, reading and writing is
required, as poetry isn't easily composed. It's the art of conveying a message
or describing a thought in a few lines. Poetry is an abstract statement of
humankind, a creation. Every poet is a father, mother and god by this
definition. Poetry is what one experiences. When I write a nazm, ghazal, geet or
doha, I make sure the listener understands it. My favourite form of poetry is
geet. --
Sohan
Rahi
Meenakshi Sinha
May 24, 2010
Sohan Rahi, 74, is a prominent poet in Urdu,
Hindi, English and Punjabi in Britain. On a recent visit to Delhi for
Jashn-e-Bahar mushaira, the poet who originally belongs to Punjab's Phagwara
town spoke to Meenakshi Sinha:
What's the state of Urdu poetry in Britain today?
Not only in UK, but Urdu poetry thrives across
Europe though it could be more popular. Point is that those who want to write
haven't got the time to study and put their thoughts on paper. But those who
write are being appreciated. A lot of research, reading and writing is required,
as poetry isn't easily composed. It's the art of conveying a message or
describing a thought in a few lines. Poetry is an abstract statement of
humankind, a creation. Every poet is a father, mother and god by this
definition. Poetry is what one experiences. When I write a nazm, ghazal, geet or
doha, I make sure the listener understands it. My favourite form of poetry is
geet.
What is the form popular in Britain?
Ghazals are most popular. Our culture dates back
to centuries. Ghalib, Mir, Tulsidas, Kabir are all part of this rich heritage.
Who are the popular Urdu poets in Britain?
Great writers such as Jitender Billu, Saki
Farooqi and Akbar Hyderabadi are appreciated in the subcontinent as well. They
write all forms drama, stories, novels, poetry. We have a thriving mushaira
culture. Apart from locals, writers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and even
Canada and the US participate in these mushairas.
Where do the mushairas take place and how often?
In London, Birmingham and Manchester weekly or
fortnightly wherever people of Asian descent and lovers of Urdu and Hindi
reside. There are many societies and publishers promoting languages, especially
Hindi. In fact, mushairas and literary events are more 'happening' in Britain
than in India and the response is tremendous.
What's the quality of such mushairas?
Their standard is not the same as that in India
or Pakistan. But people still write and participate. That's because people love
their country and this love powers the tradition of mushairas or writing in the
native language. Indian culture is alive and healthy in Britain.
Is this how the diaspora connects with its native
country?
There exists a healthy culture of music, dance
and literature. People are conscious of language. They appreciate Indian songs,
culture and dance. My grandchild's name is India; she's six, goes to a Hindi
school and learns Kathak. In these ways, we're trying to keep our culture alive.
Indian culture is not at our mercy. We are at the mercy of Indian culture. I'm
asked why I visit India. My answer is that the dust of this country, it’s
beautiful seasons, its traditions, culture, people and their love and affection
keep bringing me back to India.
Do poets explore contemporary themes like
terrorism and global warming?
We do touch upon these subjects but it's mostly
abstract. Popular subjects also include pollution, weather, life, people and
romance. Any form of art is incomplete till such time that an artist educates
himself about other forms of art. And any form of art is like a sky that has no
limit.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/We-have-a-thriving-mushaira-culture-in-Britain/articleshow/5965686.cms
10:29 PM
Sultan Shahin
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