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Monday, May 24, 2010


Interview
24 May 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com


'We have a thriving mushaira culture in Britain'

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



'We have a thriving mushaira culture in Britain'
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

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