On the vibrant 24th of June 2023, Houston witnessed a glorious celebration of language, arts, and culture at the 1st Aalmi Urdu Conference in the United States. This monumental occasion, organized by the International Arts Society USA and the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, featured spellbinding performances that paid homage to the alluring legacy of Urdu.
The conference attempted to repackage Urdu to appeal to today’s youth while honoring its rich heritage, including exciting stage performances, beautiful classical dance, and an enticing Aalmi Mushaira.
The Aalmi Urdu Conference functioned as a venue for Urdu diplomacy, creating links of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding across nations. Urdu’s poetic beauty and extensive linguistic tradition have served as a bridge across cultures. The conference fostered diplomatic links among Urdu-speaking populations worldwide by emphasizing the value of Urdu.
The conference paid tribute to the iconic Urdu poet Ahmed Faraz, who captured the hearts of millions through his soul-stirring ghazals. Faraz’s poetic expressions have transcended borders, touching the emotions of people from various linguistic backgrounds. His ghazals, recited by talented artists, drew the listener into a realm of love, desire, and reflection, exhibiting Urdu poetry’s everlasting beauty.
In his remarks to the Urdu Conference, Art Council President Ahmad Shah (SI) stated that he experienced significant challenges in promoting the Urdu medium 16 years ago when he conducted the inaugural Aalmi Urdu Conference due to the evolving nature of social norms and culture. Further, he noted societal reluctance to teach children Urdu and highlighted pejorative remarks about the Urdu Medium community.
Furthermore, Shah commented that times have changed, and the recent conferences in Karachi illustrated the changing environment of the Urdu language and its cultural heritage.
Today, English-speaking or English-medium individuals willingly immerse themselves in the enchanting melodies of Sarmad Sehbhai’s ghazals at Karachi’s art councils. These individuals, regardless of their language background, choose to sit on the floor, embracing the traditional experience of classical music. This metamorphosis demonstrates that language can connect, inspire, and create a sense of belonging.”
At the Aalmi Urdu Conference, President Ahmad Shah took a visionary approach to reinvigorate Urdu for the present generation. By incorporating the writings of esteemed authors such as Zia Muhiddin, Anwar Maqsood, and Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi, he bridged the gap between traditional Urdu literature and contemporary sensibilities.
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Classical music, highly valued in Urdu society, also earned a place at the event. The legendary choreography of Naheed Siddique, brought on board by the Karachi Arts Council, further added to the enchantment. The Karachi Arts Council honored the diversity of Urdu arts by presenting a range of artistic mediums and stressed the value of embracing Urdu’s rich cultural tapestry. This fusion of past and present ensured that Urdu resonated with the youth, fostering a renewed appreciation for its richness and depth.
Classical dance forms took center stage at the convention to celebrate the richness of Urdu culture. The graceful movements of prominent dancers mesmerized the audience, demonstrating the elegance and artistry of traditional Urdu classic dance. By embracing classical dance, the conference highlighted the diversity within Urdu arts, reminding attendees of the language’s affinity to broader cultural expressions.
The addition of theater was another crucial step toward resurrecting Urdu’s appeal. The conference successfully fused the classical spirit of Urdu with contemporary storytelling by exploring the works of brilliant playwrights. Urdu emotionally engaged the audience through theater, igniting conversations about societal issues and cultural quirks.
No Urdu conference would be complete without a mesmerizing Mushaira when poets worldwide gather to share their rhymes. The Alami Mushaira at the conference was an opportunity for established and young poets. The history of Urdu poetry was further enhanced by the poetic lyrics that resounded throughout the evening and devoted to love, beauty, and the human experience.
Language, in its essence, is a living entity. It flourishes, adapts, and thrives because of the efforts of a dedicated Karachi Arts Council. It ensured Urdu’s relevancy in today’s world by repackaging it, catching the hearts and minds of the younger generation.
Successfully bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, the conference engaged the younger generation through theatrical performances, classical music, and dance. The Aalmi Urdu Conference acknowledged the need for Urdu to be modified to reflect the modern sensitivities of today’s youth. The organizers recognized that language and culture change and Urdu needed to be repackaged without losing its core to be preserved.
A student of International Relations interested in National Security strategies, with a good focus on Geo-Politics, Foreign Policy, and Public & Cultural Diplomacy.
