All India Cultural Association (AICA) Kuwait, presented International Mushaira “Ba yaad-e-Khumar” on 27th October 2017 in a jam-packed Jabriya Medical Association hall. This event was dedicated to “Khumar Barabankvi” and the family was represented by his grandson, Faiz Khumar. He enthralled the audience by reciting Khumar’s famous ghazals in his unique style.

Rich tributes were also paid to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan on his Bicentenary for his contribution towards education and Urdu.

Besides Munawwar Rana, who was the star attraction of the evening, each and every poet presented the best of their literary work. The packed crowd enjoyed the brilliant performances with a thunderous applause. Charan Singh Bashar received standing ovation for his brilliant poetry.The audience were glued to their seats till wee hours in the morning even after a marathon 7 hours in continuation. This itself is a manifestation of the event’s success.

The evening started with Kuwait and India’s national anthem as per AICA tradition. This was followed by lamp lighting by Mr. Anup Singh, the Embassy Representative with the AICA team, brief introduction by Mujeeb Akhtar and brief addresses by Mr. Anup Singh and Sanjay Saxena, the AICA President.

This occasion was marked by a book release by Munawwar Rana authored by Dr. Tariq Qamar, an eminent poet and executive producer of ETV Urdu. The book titled “Ganga Jamuna ke sahilon per” is the author’s seventh literary creation. AICA Souvenir was released by Mohammad Aamir, Mushaira Convener who presented them to all guest shairs and other prominent guests. Mohammad Aamir along with Sharif Rangrez, Goldie Chadha and Hasan Iqbal gave away mementos to all guest shairs and also to event media partners AAM pictures and Singh Media.

Mushaira was formally presided by the much celebrated shair Munawwar Rana and hosted by Wasif Farooqi. The evening witnessed intense and exalted performances by Faiz Khumar, Salman Zafar, Munawwar Jafri, Irfan Jafri, Mahshar Afridi, Charan Singh Bashar, Rajesh Reddy, Khursheed Haider, Shabeena Adeeb, Azm Shakri, Shakeel Azmi ,Juahar Kanpuri, Azhar Inayti and Munawwar Rana.

The evening concluded at a high note after Munawwar Rana choked on his voice while reciting some of his beautiful compositions. Mohammad Aamir acknowledged the ingenious audience for their presence and expressed his gratitude for making this event a special one.

This signature event of the highest literary value has added another feather in AICA’s cap.

AICA thanks all partners, volunteers, performers and the guests for this successful event.