Literary Event Remembers Renowned Poet and Sr Journo

Prayagraj, 20 Aug (HS): Some literary personalities continue

to live through their words, ideas and memories even after their departure.

Renowned poet and senior journalist Late Shakir Hussain Tashna Kanpuri was one

such personality. To commemorate his contribution to Urdu literature and

journalism, a Sheri Nisht was organised at Adab Ghar, Kareli, under the aegis

of Bazm-e-Ahbab. Writers, poets, lawyers and members of the literary community

gathered to remember his distinctive contribution and enduring legacy.

The programme was presided over by senior Allahabad High

Court advocate M. A. Haseen. Yusuf Habib attended as the chief guest, while Dr.

Saleha Rasheed, former Head of the Department of Arabic and Persian at the

University of Allahabad; Asrar Niazi, president of the Muharram Committee;

Ehsanullah Ansari, founder of Taleem Ghar; and Farmood Allahabadi, founder of

Adab Ghar, were the special guests. Senior advocate Bakhtiyar Yusuf conducted

the programme.

In his presidential address, M. A. Haseen said that Shakir Hussain

Tashna was not merely a fine poet but also a responsible senior journalist.

Through his poetry, he created a distinct identity for himself. His writings

reflected sensitivity, social awareness and a deep understanding of

contemporary life. He said that although Tashna was no longer physically

present, his poetry and memories would continue to keep him alive among

literature lovers.

Chief guest Yusuf Habib described Tashna as a responsible

and respected journalist who worked with commitment and sincerity. His

writings, he said, reflected his concern for society and his ability to present

contemporary realities through the power of the pen.

Dr. Saleha Rasheed recalled her close personal association

with Tashna and described him as a brother-like figure. She remembered how he

would regularly attend university programmes on her invitation and document

events through his writings. Her recollections brought out the warmth,

simplicity and affectionate nature of Tashna's personality.

Ehsanullah Ansari, founder of Taleem Ghar, recalled his long

association with Tashna and the memorable conversations they shared. He said

that literary and social discussions often continued for hours at Tashna's home

over cups of tea. He congratulated his elder son Amjad Hussain Ravi and nephew

Suhail Akhtar for organising the programme in his memory.

Farmood Allahabadi recalled meeting Tashna for the first

time at the residence of Afzal Jaisi. Their association continued through

various literary gatherings and Sheri Nishts. Bakhtiyar Yusuf observed that

Tashna had many disciples and admirers. His home frequently became a gathering

place for poets and literature enthusiasts, where poetry and literary

discussions continued late into the evening.

The memorial session was followed by a vibrant poetic

gathering. M. A. Haseen, Talat Mahmood, Dr. Ram Lakhan, Sunil Danish, Shahid

Khan, Waqif Ansari, Bakhtiyar Yusuf, Atya Noor, Shibli Sana, Khurshid Akhtar,

Prabhat Aadhar, Zeeshan, Suhail Akhtar and Amjad Hussain Ravi, among others, presented

their ghazals and poetry. Their performances received warm appreciation from

the audience and transformed the evening into a memorable celebration of Urdu

literature. Asrar Gandhi, Asif Usmani, Mahmood Khan, Wazir Khan, Asad Qureshi

and Ashad Hussain Taabi, along with several other literary and social figures,

were also present.

At the conclusion, Amjad Hussain Ravi, president and

convenor of Bazm-e-Ahbab, along with Suhail Akhtar and Saqib Siddiqui,

expressed gratitude to all the guests, poets and participants. The Sheri Nisht

was more than a memorial gathering. It was a tribute to a poet and journalist

whose words continue to resonate with readers and admirers. By bringing

together poets, intellectuals and admirers, the programme also reaffirmed the

enduring place of Shakir Hussain Tashna Kanpuri in the literary memory of

Prayagraj.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi