Patna College, a historic and ancient college in Bihar, completed one hundred and sixty-six years of its establishment on January 9, 2026. It is worth mentioning that this day is a historic and memorable day for Patna College, where every year "Foundation Day" is celebrated as a "Day of Celebration". However, to make this year's "Foundation Day" unique, distinguished, and memorable compared to previous years, a new literary and poetic tradition was initiated, the credit for which undoubtedly goes to the college's active Principal, Professor Anil Kumar.

In the meeting called for the preparation of "Asthapna Diwas", many suggestions came from the teachers, including a suggestion for a mushaira and kavi sammelan, which was presented by Dr. Naqi Ahmed June, head of the English department. The teachers, in unison, not only approved it but also expressed their joy, as if it was already in their hearts. Consequently, Principal Anil Kumar not only granted permission for the event but also assured all possible cooperation.

Patna College has a long history of poetry and literature, with great writers and litterateurs in Urdu, Hindi, English, Persian, and Arabic having been associated with the college. From Akhtar Orainvi, Azimuddin Ahmed, Kalimuddin Ahmed, Jameel Mazhari, Kaleem Aajiz to Ejaz Ali Arshad, there is a long galaxy of poets and litterateurs who have illuminated the college's academic and literary atmosphere with their creative brilliance.

In fact, the mushaira and kavi sammelan held on the occasion of "Foundation Day" is an attempt to revive the literary and academic tradition of the college, while paying tribute to the literary giants associated with the college. If the intention is sincere, the resolve is firm, and the cooperation of friends is available, the scarcity of time and resources has no meaning in organizing a memorable event. The poetic and literary gathering of Patna College is a practical example of this.

After the program was finalized, Dr. Naqi Ahmed June and Dr. Numan Qaiser made tireless efforts to make it a success, meeting students and teachers, and preparing for the event in a short span of two to three days. In addition to the cooperation of the college's Principal, Professor Anil Kumar, they also received active support from Dr. Karan Kumari, Dr. V.K. Das, Dr. Siddharth Bhardwaj, Dr. Balmiki Ram, and Dr. Abdul Basit Hamidi.

The mushaira and kavi sammelan held at Patna College featured a select list of Urdu and Hindi poets from the city, who are renowned for their poetic and creative greatness. Their participation enhanced the dignity of the literary event. The list of poets, which was initially limited to the state level, was elevated to the national level with the participation of two guest poets from Delhi, renowned nazim of mushaira, Moin Shadab, and Azm Shakri. Their presence made the mushaira a national-level event.

In fact, these poets were invited to a mushaira in Patna in memory of Shad Azim, but when Dr. Numan Qaiser came to know about it, he contacted them and invited them to participate in the Patna College mushaira. They not only accepted the invitation but also mesmerized the audience with their beautiful poetry and melodious voice. The mushaira and kavi sammelan, presided over by Professor Ejaz Ali Arshad, concluded successfully.

In addition to students and teachers, a large number of journalists also participated in the mushaira, including Professor Suraj Deo Singh, Professor Sadiq Hussain, Professor Sarwar Alam, Dr. Musarat Jahan, Dr. Afshan Bano, Dr. Ishrat Saboohi, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Dr. Mahmood Alam, Dr. Sumen Kumari, Dr. Saleem Akhtar, and Dr. Radhe Shyam. The editor of "Hamara Nara" and renowned journalist, Dr. Anwar Al-Huda, was also present. Former principals of Patna College, Professor Tarun Kumar and Professor Sanjay Kumar, also attended the mushaira until its conclusion.

The initial conduct of the mushaira was managed by Dr. Naqi Ahmed June, while Dr. Numan Qaiser took it to its conclusion. The list of poets included Professor Ejaz Ali Arshad, Khurshid Akbar, Moin Shadab, Azm Shakri, Anil Kumar Singh, Prem Kern, Dr. Aradhana Prasad, Sameer Premal, Dr. Richa, and Anchit. Some selected poems of the poets are presented below:

Jhuka sake jo zamane ko woh hunar lao
Nahin to sar ko jhukaaye hue guzregao
Professor Ejaz Ali Arshad

Ek chehra fazool hai kya hai
Sara aalam fazool hai kya hai
Khurshid Akbar

Tum se mil kar sab se nate tod liye hum ne
Badal dekh ke matke phod liye
Moin Shadab

Hum ne socha tha dil jala daliye
Phir khayal aaya dil mein to bhi hai
Azm Shakri

Kisi kitab ko parhne baitho jalti aankh
Warq warq hain aag ke qisse akshar akshar aag
Prem Kern

Main tanha ho ke bhi hoti nahin kabhi tanha
Ye kis maqam pe laayi hai yaar tanhai
Dr. Aradhana Prasad

Rishton ki rooh aur bhatkati hai dar badar
Sahil pe ek makaan koee dha gaya hai
Anil Kumar Singh

Kamtar nah samajh lena Premal ki faqiri ko
Ek vote ke dam par hum sarkar badalte hain
Sameer Premal

Khayal-e-yaar se khushboo kashid karte hue
Isi ko dekh ke jeete isi pe marte hue
Dr. Numan Qaiser