Prayagraj,

21 December (H.S.): The third and final day of Bazm-e-Virasat programme was held at the

Bishop Johnson campus in Prayagraj on Sunday. This event beautifully

intertwined music, literature, history, and cherished memories. The day was

dedicated to one of the most influential pre-modern Hindi poets and a pioneer

of modern Urdu ghazals, Gyanpith Award recipient, Firaq Gorakhpuri. Known for

his profound critical insight and sensitive expression, Firaq Sahib's legacy

was celebrated with great reverence.

The

program began with Smita Agarwal's soulful rendition of Firaq Sahib's ghazal

Narm Fiza Ki Karvatein Dil Ko Dukh Kar Gayi. She was accompanied by

Vasudev Pandey on the tabla and Akash on the synthesizer. Following the

performance, a panel discussion was held on the literary contributions of Firaq

Gorakhpuri. Eminent scholars such as Professor Aslam, Professor Ahmad Mahfooz

(Jamia Millia Islamia), Professor Heramb Chaturvedi, and Yash Malviya

participated in this insightful session.

Reflections

on Firaq Sahib's Persona: Professor Ahmad Mahfooz compared Firaq Sahib to Mirza

Ghalib, emphasizing that his Urdu poetry, nazms, and rubaiyat were unparalleled

in the realm of ghazals. He remarked that Firaq Sahab's ghazals resonated

deeply with the heart, making the ghazal his true forte. Professor Herambh

Chaturvedi highlighted that Firaq Sahib often spent entire nights crafting his

poetry, which was filled with such sensitivity that it painted vivid pictures

for the readers.

Firaq

and the Freedom Movement: Firaq Sahib's involvement in Mahatma Gandhi's

Non-Cooperation Movement led to his imprisonment, during which he composed 32

nazms.

Anecdote

by Yash Malviya: Yash Malviya shared an amusing anecdote from a mushaira at the

Red Fort. Firaq Sahib unknowingly sat on a special chair reserved for the

President. When the then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed arrived, he humorously

remarked, Welcome, welcome! Please take your seat. After all, this chair

truly belongs to you!

Closing

Thoughts: Finally, Professor Aslam narrated several interesting and inspiring

stories about Firaq Sahib's life and work. This event not only honored the

literary contributions of Firaq Gorakhpuri but also brought his extraordinary

life and persona closer to the younger generation.

TRIBUTE

TO AMIT SAIGAL – PERFORMANCE BY VETERAN BANDS OF ALLAHABAD: The next session of

Bazm-e-Virasat was dedicated to the legendary Indian rock music pioneer and

promoter, Amit Saigal, and presented by Allahabad’s renowned Veteran Band. Amit

Saigal, fondly referred to as Papa Rock by the Indian rock music

community, was a visionary musician, publisher, and impresario.

He

founded the iconic music magazine Rock Street Journal, which played a pivotal

role in promoting rock music across India. Through his efforts, he brought a

new identity and recognition to Indian rock music. In this session, his team

enthralled the audience in Allahabad with a captivating blend of pop and rock

music. The atmosphere was electric, filled with thunderous applause and

enthusiasm, reflecting the audience's appreciation for the performance and

their gratitude for Amit Saigal's remarkable contributions to the world of

music.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi