Speakers at conference paid great homage to literary giant Maulana Hasrat Mohani for his contribution towards Urdu Ghazal, poetry and the independence movement. Speaking to 'Hasrat Mohani Conference,' organised at Arts Council on Tuesday, senior writers, poets and intellectuals highlighted his work and life.
The moot was held to commemorate the 56th death anniversary of Maulana Hasrat Mohani. Delivering presidential address, in absence of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Karachi University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqi said conference threw light on various aspects of Maulana's life which were still undiscovered.
He underlined need to focus on launching research of life and works of Hasrat Mohani to introduce his multi-dimensional personality to new generation. He noted Hasrat was the first personality who highlighted importance of independence in the sub-continent. 'Maulana spoke about freedom, when it was considered a revolt," he maintained.
Placing emphasis on universities to work on the great poet's work, he announced to establish a Hasrat Mohani Chair at Karachi University. Next year, a conference on Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar will be organised to highlight his contributions, he added.
Dr Gopi Chand Narang, eminent Indian writer, critic, researcher, in his keynote paper said Hasrat Mohani gave new dimensions to Ghazal. This hero of Independence Movement gave Urdu romantic poetry such fragrance that no poet after him could gave it, he added.
On the literary merits of Hasrat, Dr Gopi said besides his adherence with poetry, his devotion to the cause of freedom was his remarkable feature. He also recited some of revolutionary and romantic verses from Hasrat's poetry. Dr Khaleeq Anjum, President Anjuman-e-Taraqqi Urdu India, stressed upon highlighting the political aspects of poetry of Hasrat Mohani. As a politician, he had such firm character and enjoyed such respect, which was unlikely for politicians of present era, he said.
Sindh Ombudsman Yousuf Jamal ranked Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as most important personalities of Sub-continent in the freedom struggle. He also threw light on political life and struggle of Mohani.
Among others who spoke were Nuzhat Fatima and Khausbeer Singh Shaad from India, veteran journalist Mahmud Shaam, writer Asghar Nadeem Syed, KU Registrar Rais Alvi, Professor Sehar Ansari, and Dr Muhammad Ali Siddiqui. Sindh Information Advisor Salahuddin Haider, Sindh DG Culture Shams Jafrani, Secretary Culture Abdul Qadir Mangi, Ahmed Abdul Bari, President Hasrat Mohani Memorial Trust and others were also present.