Patna (Press Release) Allama Waqif Azimabadi is a great poet and a great literary figure of Urdu, whose poetry is a beautiful blend of classical and modern trends. His poetry reflects the social and political issues of his time. Waqif's ghazals are notable for their poeticity, melody, and sweetness, which make him a unique poet. His poetry has a blend of classical traditions and modern sensibility. His verses have a combination of emotional depth and artistic refinement. These were the thoughts and impressions of prominent Urdu intellectuals who presented their papers at a joint memorial ceremony and Naatiya Mushaira program organized by the Urdu Directorate, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Bihar, at the auditorium, Faneeshwar Nath Renu Hindi Bhavan, Patna, in memory of Waqif Azimabadi and Kalam Hyderi.

The program began with the lighting of the lamp. Shafee Mushahidi, former Chairman, Urdu Advisory Committee, Bihar, presided over the Waqif Azimabadi memorial ceremony. In his presidential address, Shafee Mushahidi said that he first pays tribute to Waqif Azimabadi and thanks the Director of Urdu Directorate, S.M. Parvez Alam, and the Government of Bihar for giving him the opportunity to pay tribute to this great personality. He said that in this ceremony, detailed discussions were held about Waqif Sahib's personality, which is not necessary to repeat. He had several meetings with him, and every time he saw a new aspect of his personality. Such personalities are born only once in a century.

Earlier, while presenting the welcome and introductory remarks on behalf of the Cabinet Secretariat, Urdu Directorate, S.M. Parvez Alam, Director, Urdu Directorate, warmly welcomed all the guests and lovers of Urdu. He said that Waqif Azimabadi is famous in the world of poetry and literature by the name of Allama Waqif due to his unparalleled academic and literary abilities. His poetry is connected to earthly realities and adorned with poetic beauty. He wrote humorous pieces on social, political, religious, linguistic, national, and international issues, establishing his unique identity. Allama Waqif also has a unique and superior position in serious poetry. In Bihar, he was a unique and prominent Urdu poet of his kind. His creations were liked not only in mushairas but also among the Urdu population through Urdu dailies.

Dr. Naseem Akhtar, a well-known writer and critic from Patna, said in his paper that Waqif Sahib was a very self-respecting person. He did not compromise on his ego and self-respect. He had a good understanding of himself and his art. He was a master of his craft. He was not a poet of just one language; he also had poetry in Arabic. His poetry was often published in major newspapers of the country. He wrote practical criticism of Ghalib, Iqbal, Mir, and Shad Azimabadi. Waqif was an intelligent poet and writer. He also had a distinct identity in journalism. He had a great impact in both prose and poetry.

Dr. Asif Saleem, a well-known writer and critic from Patna, presented his paper on "Allama Waqif Azimabadi: Some Intellectual Aspects of His Personality". He mentioned his memories associated with Allama Waqif Azimabadi in a story-like manner and discussed his temperament, poetry, and intellectual aspects in a comprehensive manner.

In the Kalam Hyderi memorial ceremony, while presenting the presidential address, Professor Abdul Samad, former Chairman, Urdu Advisory Committee, Bihar, Patna, said that Kalam Hyderi's personality and achievements are unforgettable. He was a well-known progressive critic, storyteller, journalist, and editor of an important literary magazine "Ahang" after the country's independence. His literary services cannot be forgotten. I had a personal relationship with him. He shared his valuable memories associated with Kalam Hyderi. He said that this great personality, whose services and achievements are very simple, cannot be covered in just a memorial ceremony. A regular seminar should be organized on him.

Dr. Sofia Parveen, Assistant Professor, Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, presented her paper on the topic "Kalam Hyderi as a Journalist". She said that Kalam Hyderi was a good journalist, a good speaker, and a good storyteller. He did excellent journalism. Through his literary passion and journalism, he achieved what is a glorious part of the past. Professor Shakeel Ahmed Qasmi, former head of the Urdu department, Oriental College, Patna, said in his paper that Waqif Azimabadi's personality was multifaceted. He was a seasoned writer, an expert journalist, and a critic with deep critical awareness. He was a master of fiction writing. Due to his intellectual insight, academic depth, and analytical approach, he achieved a prominent position. He gave literature a broad, academic, literary, and intellectual dignity. The scope of his critical writings is very wide. His style of expression, whether in speech or writing, is scholarly.

Kalam Hyderi's truthfulness and fearlessness established a high standard in journalism. With his critical style and polite expression, he achieved a high position in literary circles. Kalam Hyderi's services to Urdu, criticism, and commentary are valuable and of lasting importance.

Meanwhile, Director S.M. Parvez Alam presented an overview of the activities and functions of the Urdu Directorate, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Bihar, under the second official language Urdu, for its promotion and publication in the financial year 2025-26. He said that the government's actions for the promotion of Urdu are commendable. The Urdu community is grateful to the honorable Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, for his serious efforts towards the promotion of Urdu. He informed that this year, all 22 memorial ceremonies for the departed elders were successfully organized. In these ceremonies, all sections of Urdu participated. The new generation of students, women, and non-Urdu-speaking classes also presented their creations in the ceremony. This year, more than 60 intellectuals from within and outside the state presented their papers. More than 220 poets presented their poetry.

He said that this year has been quite memorable in terms of Urdu. This year, the Government of Bihar has reinstated 857 assistant Urdu translators. Along with this, on March 29, the Government of Bihar announced the doubling of these posts, and in this calendar year, the Staff Selection Commission has also mentioned the reinstatement of these posts. In May-June, the reinstatement of 1951 assistant Urdu translators and 155 Urdu translators will be done.

Director Parvez Alam mentioned the significant success and achievements in the online Urdu learning program. He said it is an important thing that personalities like Additional Chief Secretary Dr. B. Rajendra have benefited from the Urdu Directorate's Urdu learning program. And in this batch, nearly hundreds of new Urdu learners have taken admission, including about six IAS officers, including former Additional Chief Secretary Dr. S. Siddharth and Secretary of the Department of Planning, Kartikeyan (IAS), who are learning Urdu.

He said that the publication of three issues of the quarterly "Bhasha Sangam" has been done so far this year. 29 monographs have been published on elders. 42 monographs are yet to be published. The process of publishing the remaining monographs is ongoing. After their publication, the Urdu Directorate will soon seek approval from the government to write monographs on new people.

Director Parvez Alam informed that after a long delay, approval has been received from the government for financial assistance for manuscripts. The government has also formed a selection committee for two years. In the financial year 2025-26, the selection committee will soon transfer the financial assistance to the accounts of the selected books so that they can publish their Urdu books.

The formation of the Urdu Advisory Committee, Bihar, has been initiated. With the advice and guidance of the Urdu Advisory Committee, Bihar, the Urdu Directorate will play a more active and dynamic role. Director Parvez Alam said that approval has also been received from the government for the organization of "Jashn-e-Urdu". The process of organizing "Jashn-e-Urdu" will be done within the next six months. The government is also serious about giving high-level awards and special awards. Soon, positive news will reach the Urdu community.

He said that the Urdu Directorate has completed many important tasks, including ACP, MACP, retirement benefits, and promotions, with utmost seriousness. He informed that the training of all Urdu staff working in the state is being given by BIPARD to work in government offices, which is ongoing successfully.

Director Parvez Alam threw light on the Urdu activities in all the districts of the state. He said that in almost all the districts, Urdu seminars and mushairas have been organized successfully. Director Parvez Alam made a sincere request and appeal to the Urdu community of Bihar to cooperate with them. We should take better and better steps for the welfare, survival, and promotion of Urdu. He said that in the coming few months, Urdu staff will be reinstated in all types of government offices in Bihar. It is the responsibility of the Urdu community to submit their applications in Urdu so that the Urdu staff can do their work properly by translating their applications into Hindi.

He said that the Urdu community should also think about their responsibilities towards the promotion and publicity of Urdu. They should review how serious they are about the promotion and publicity of Urdu and how much effort they are making. Director Parvez Alam, in his message to the Urdu community,