Of Mushairas & Urdu Poetry With Sayeed Rahmani
Whenever I delve into the world of Urdu Adab (literature) and poetry in general, I am reminded of Mirza Beg Asadullah Khan (1797–1869), also known as Mirza Ghalib, who is still the most respected and admired poet in Urdu and Persian literature today. Some of his poems are far ahead of his time, and he had the ability to foresee future trends in the world.
“Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle. Bohott nikle mere armaan, lekin phir bhi kam nikle,” which translates to “Though many of my desires were fulfilled, majority remained unfulfilled,” remains one of Ghalib’s cherished poems.
Urdu was first spoken in northern India around Delhi during the 12th century and was derived from the language spoken there. It was influenced by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish as well. It is sometimes referred to as a "sister" language of Hindi since they share a similar grammar base. Hindi is written in the Devanagari script, which is the same as Sanskrit. The vocabulary of Urdu has more Sanskrit influence than Persian or Arabic. A significant amount of poetry and literature was written in Urdu during the 14th and 15th centuries. Recently, it has mainly been associated with Muslims in India, but there is also a considerable body of great Urdu literature by Hindus and Sikhs. Nowadays, it is spoken in many countries, including the UK, Canada, the USA, the Middle East, and India. In fact, there are more Urdu speakers in India than in Pakistan.
"Urdu, as a language, cannot be effaced; otherwise, no one would love to hear Hindi film songs. If a songwriter does not have knowledge of Urdu literature, they cannot sustain themselves in the Hindi film industry. Yes, it's a fact that Urdu literature, especially Urdu poetry, may have lost some of its shine over the decades, but it hasn't worn out. This is happening to all other languages in this technologically-driven 21st century," opines Kabita Patra, a Urdu poetry enthusiast and educationist from Cuttack.
"I remember it was 1968, and I was in high school. One evening, a couple of my classmates and I accidentally attended a Urdu mushaira (poetry symposium) at Sultania Madrasa near Buxi Bazar in Cuttack. After listening to the leading national-level Urdu poets of that time, such as Amjad Najmi, Manzar Hasan Manzar, Abdul Latif Bari, Hifzul Bari, and Hafiz Rafiq Dard, my love for Urdu literature grew stronger. Today, with the able guidance and blessings of Odisha's only senior Urdu poet, Sayeed Rahmani, I have become a poet and recently published a book of poems in Urdu," says Yunus Asin, an Urdu poet from Cuttack.
The 17th century saw the emergence of Urdu poetry as a major force in India, with the Mughals establishing their rule. Legends of early India suggest that recitation of Urdu poetry should be conducted in a collective setting, where individuals with a sufficient knowledge of the language can appreciate, criticise, and ultimately appreciate what is being recited. Initially, the gathering was to be attended by the king and his ministers, but then it was changed to a larger gathering. It was believed that this would result in the development of the Urdu shayari, as people would be able to gain insight into practical poetry in line with the demands of public interest and public improvement. The most popular form of recital was a mushaira, where poets would assemble to read their works, crafted according to a pre-arranged metrical formula. The most legendary initiative was taken in the 18th century by the Mughals, resulting in the final, decisive development of the Mushaira. A culture of poetry writing was created, with royalty even being encouraged to learn. One of the most notable Mughal emperors of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was also a distinguished Urdu poet. He frequently assigned arduous poetry assignments to his court, including the tazmin-based art form, which resulted in the creation of the Tarahi-Mushaira.
"Despite being written in an adapted form of the Arabic script, Urdu is an Indian language. Many of us use Urdu words in our daily conversations, such as 'Kanoon' (Law), 'Darwaza' (Door), 'Kismat' (Destiny), 'Akhbar' (Newspaper), 'Taarikh' (Date), 'Azadi' (Freedom), 'Imaarath' (Building), 'Hukum' (Command), 'Bahadur' (Bold), 'Havaa' (Air), 'Kitaab' (Book), 'Gunah' (Crime), 'Aurat' (Woman), 'Dil' (Heart), 'Dost' (Friend), and 'Shukriya' (Thank You). Although I am a novice, I have always been fascinated by the language. My most admired Urdu poet is Faiz Ahmed Faiz. One of his revolutionary poems, 'Hum Dekhenge,' is my all-time favourite," reveals Gayatri Mohapatra from Cuttack.
For over 200 years, the tradition of mushaira (Urdu poetry symposium) has continued in the historic city of Cuttack. A diverse group of Urdu poets in the city gathers in a cramped room to share their poetry. This small but dedicated group of Urdu poetry enthusiasts meets every alternate weekend and indulges in two-hour-long mushaira sessions. As the poems are recited one after another, they transport the listener to a world of metaphors where stars, the moon, the sun, rivers, the ocean, flowers, love, separation, meeting, friendship, and betrayal converse with each other. For two intense hours, sheer poetry fills the senses with unmeasured ecstasy and euphoria for the participants who eagerly await the next session. Cuttack was the epicentre of Urdu literature for centuries in the State of Odisha, unlike cities of Lucknow, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata where development of Urdu literature is more active and widespread but nevertheless Cuttack produced many national level poets in the past and two such stalwarts come to my mind is Amjad Najmi who was a national figure both in Urdu and Persian literature followed by Professor Karamat Ali Karamat, Gold medalist in mathematics and former Vice Principal of Ravenshaw College now University. Apart from these two there are many leading Urdu poets in Odisha, among them is Sayeed Rahmani, who today is the only leading senior ustad (master) Urdu Poet of Odisha having a strong followings both in India and among Urdu poetry enthusiast diasporas in many countries like USA, Germany, UK and Gulf countries.
His monthly Urdu literary magazine 'Adabi Mahaz,' published from Cuttack, has a strong following both in India and abroad. Sayeed Rahmani, an octogenarian and former Principal of one of Odisha's oldest high schools, Sayeed Seminary in Cuttack, dedicated his teaching career, spanning three generations, to English language instruction with a special emphasis on English grammar. Sayeed Rahmani's liberal temperament, open-mindedness, and belief in the omnipresence of God all contribute to his elevation to the realm of the immortal. Through his ghazals, the reader is transported from the realm of utilitarianism to a transcendental understanding of the concept of control. His lyrics are straightforward yet insightful and aesthetically pleasing. My City Links had the opportunity to meet Sayeed Rahmani at his residence in Cuttack and learn more about him and his immense contribution to Urdu literature. Below are the excerpts from our conversation.
Will you please tell us something about your early life in Cuttack?
My early days in Cuttack were marked by significant challenges. When I was barely a year and a half old, my father passed away. As I was the only child of my parents, my mother faced unspeakable difficulties in raising me and experienced dire poverty.
Throughout your teaching career, you specialised as an English language teacher, particularly excelling as an English grammar instructor. How did you become drawn to Urdu literature and poetry?
During my school life, I used to regularly attend mushairas in Cuttack as a listener. This inspired me to write poems and ghazals. My first poem was published in the magazine 'Chand' from Nagpur, Maharashtra, in the year 1954 when I was in my final year of school, preparing for matriculation exams.
Who were the Urdu poets who influenced you during those days?
I was immensely influenced by poets like Allama Iqbal, Josh Maliabadi, Jigar Moradabadi, and others.
Who were the leading Urdu poets during your school and college days?
Professor Manzar Hasan, Amjad Najmi, Hifzul Bari, among others.
How do you come up with ideas for your poetry?
In my poetry, I try to portray various social, ethical, and political situations.
What is your creative process when writing a poem?
Whenever I feel like writing, I just pick up my pen and start writing. I don't know if that is called a creative process.
How has poetry changed over time?
Initially, ghazals were primarily based on aesthetics, but today they often focus on life and the events happening around us, reflecting the contemporary highlights.
Tell us about your Urdu poetry publications
So far, I have had eight books published, and among them, three are poetry books on Naats (poems praising Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, also known as naat in Urdu) and Ghazals.
How many Urdu poets and organisations are actively hosting Urdu poetic symposiums in Cuttack?
Currently, there are over twenty-five Urdu poets who actively engage in Mushairas. Among the Urdu literary organisations, Faizan-e-Adab, which I am affiliated with, and Baz-e-Sokahn, host Mushairas regularly.
Tell us about your awards and recognitions.
I have received awards from the Urdu Academy of U.P., the Urdu Academy of Odisha, Najmi Academy, Swagatika, among others.
Tell us about your monthly magazine ‘Adbi Mahaz,’ its subscribers, and the response it has received both in India and abroad.
I started publishing 'Adbi Mahaz' in 2014, and it has been regularly published since then. It has gained popularity among Urdu poetry enthusiasts, both in India and abroad, with more than five hundred subscribers.
In which other towns and cities in Odisha are Urdu poetic symposiums conducted?
Urdu literary activities are conducted quite often in towns and cities like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Berhampur.
How do you envision the future of Urdu poetry evolving?
Our state of Odisha, though situated far from Urdu-centric centres, has seen Urdu flourish for around 200 years. Our homegrown Urdu poets gained national fame in the past, and today, our inspiring poets are recognized at the national level. Numerous Urdu books on prose and poetry have been published from Odisha, and I am quite optimistic that there is a bright future for the Urdu literary movement, especially Urdu poetry.
Can you mention a few names of 19th and early 20th-century Urdu poets from Cuttack?
Yes, based on historical records of Urdu literary activities during the 19th and 20th centuries, some Urdu poets that come to mind are Triloknath Anjum (a Kashmiri Pandit settled in Cuttack) in 1887, Sheikh Animullah Charkhi in 1887, Rahmet Ali Rahmet in 1891, Amjad Najmi during the early 1900s, Abdul Rashid Naqad in 1898, and so on.
Where can one find your ghazals and other works?
You can find my ghazals and some of my books and publications on the ‘Rekhta’ website at https://www.rekhta.org/.
Is it a fact that you have helped many Urdu scholars obtain a PhD and assisted numerous Urdu writers in writing books, both in prose and poetry, and getting them published?
Yes, it's true. I have assisted several aspiring scholars with their theses, which enabled them to earn their doctorates. I have also reviewed and edited the prose and poetry of numerous Urdu writers, both from Odisha and other states, helping them get their works published.
What advice would you like to give to aspiring poets?
My advice to aspiring poets is to read the works of leading Urdu poets from all over India. Reading is crucial for understanding the various nuances and shades of poetic expressions. Attending mushairas regularly and listening attentively is essential for honing one's craft.
Besides writing, do you have any other hobbies?
Kite flying and carrom board used to be my favourite pastimes, although I wouldn't call them hobbies in the true sense. I was quite active in these activities decades ago, but at my age, it's not feasible anymore. Nowadays, I spend my time reading books and actively engaging on social platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. I use these platforms to share soft copies of the magazine, my poetry, and to connect with poets, writers, and friends.
In your opinion, what role does poetry play in today’s fast-paced society?
This is an excellent question. Poetry remains significant in today's world, even as technology has transformed how we consume and share it. It provides a means to express complex emotions, contemplate the essence of life, and connect with others on a deeper level. In our fast-paced, digital society, poetry offers a way to slow down, reflect, and find solace. It's a creative and artistic outlet for expressing thoughts and feelings, and it serves as a universal language that transcends cultures and generations.
My City Links reached out to Mr. Safdar Hashim, Founder ‘The Jazba Trust’, Bhubaneswar, who has been a student of Sayeed Rahmani. Here’s what he had to say. “Janab Sayeed Rahmani, my teacher, a renowned Urdu writer, poet, critic, journalist and excellent translator of national and international fame. Extremely dedicated and humble teacher- this is how I see Janab Sayeed Rahmani, Ex- headmaster of Sayeed Seminary, Cuttack. Sayeed Sir is a well acknowledged personality in the Urdu literary world for his outstanding contribution to Urdu Adab across the length and breadth of India. Fountainhead of Urdu poetry, Sayeed Sir himself is the proud author of eight books i.e. five poetry books and three prose books, besides being the translator of two important Odia books into Urdu published by Odisha Urdu Academy, Government of Odisha. In poetry, Sayeed Saheb's main forte is Naatia (Devotional) poetries, which is par excellence, and in prose it is his critical analysis of books, and their evaluation. Sayeed Sir is well associated with several literary organisations both in Cuttack and in other cities and towns of Odisha. He has been a source of encouragement to numerous disciples in the field of Urdu literary activities. His house at Dewan Bazar has been a centre of all such activities. Sometimes back myself and his admirers have applied to Ravenshaw University to confer Sayeed Sir with a doctorate degree, which is still pending with the authorities. I offer my deep regards and gratitude to my teacher, and wish him all the best.”
Sayeed Rahmani, a distinguished figure in the world of Urdu poetry, has not only enriched the literary landscape but also exemplified unwavering dedication to preserving the cherished tradition of Mushairas and Urdu poetry. It's worth noting that Mr. Rahmani faces an additional challenge as he is hearing impaired. However, his determination and passion have remained undeterred, proving that the universal language of poetry transcends all barriers. Despite this impediment, he continues to host and actively participate in Mushairas, where he not only graciously welcomes fellow poets but also recites his own verses with fervor. Sayeed Rahmani's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that a true poet's spirit knows no bounds, and the world of Urdu poetry continues to thrive under his dedicated stewardship.
ġhazal ko apnī maiñ ne sach ke bām-o-dar pe rakkhā hai
I keep my ghazals on the threshold of truth
Mire sheroñ ko us ne tanz ke ḳhanjar pe rakkhā hai
But he has placed my ghazals on the stone of irony
manātā huuñ maiñ aksar raat jage rātoñ ke āñgan meñ
I celebrate my whole night wakefulness within the courtyard of night
shikasta ḳhvāb kā TukḌā mire bistar pe rakkhā hai
… And pieces of my dreams are kept on my bed
bas itnā soch kar ta.abīr kī sūrat koī nikle
Thinking that some truth of my dream will come out
purāne ḳhvāb ko maiñ ne na.e manzar pe rakkhā hai
I have placed my dreams on the new horizon
sitam kī dhuup se bachne kī ḳhātir oḌh letā huuñ
From the scorching sun of exploitation, I cover myself with blanket
buzurgoñ kī duā kā harf jis chādar pe rakkhā hai
With prayers of my seniors... the words are kept on my blanket
luTā baiThe haiñ apnā kārvāñ anjān rāhoñ meñ
He has lost his caravan on an unknown road
bharosa jab kabhī ham ne kisī rahbar pe rakkhā hai
Whenever I have shown faith to my leader
duā de kar guzar jaate haiñ rahrav jānib-e-manzil
By prayer is that all the travellers reach their destination
jalā kar ik diyā maiñ ne jo apne dar pe rakkhā hai
By lighting a lamp I kept it on my way
mire bachche baḌe ho kar uThā leñge use ik din
My children shall take the burden when they grow up
zarūrat kā pahāḌ ab tak jo mere sar pe rakkhā hai
The mountain of need is still heavy on my shoulders
zarā dekhe koī shān-e-faqīrī ai 'sa.īd' apnī
Anyone can behold the glamour of begging oh Sayeed
ki tāj-o-taḳht ko ham ne sadā Thokar pe rakkhā hai
As I have placed my throne and crown on my foot
- Sayeed Rahmani
