KARACHI: The Annual Mushaira (Symposium of Urdu Poetry) in memory of prominent scientist Prof. Dr. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui was held at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) – University of Karachi (UoK) on Monday evening.
Renowned literary figure former Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui presided over the Mushaira entitled “Salana Mehfil-e-Sukhan Bayade Professor Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui.”
Director ICCBS Prof. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary delivered opening words. The mushaira was moderated by Jafar Askari Jafar.
Hundreds of students, scientists, teachers and staff graced the poetry symposium by their vigorous participation.
Among the poets who entertained the audience included Anwer Shaoor, Liaquat Ali Asim, Firasat Rizvi, Nasim Nazish, Hijab Abbasi, Haider Hasnain Jaleesi, Prof. Fayyaz Vaid, Touqeer Taqi, Allauddin Humdam Khanzada, Kashif Ghair, Dilawar Ali Azer, Zaheer Abbas and Shahida Urooj.
Paying tribute to the eminent scholar, Prof. Pirzada Qasim said that Prof. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui was a 20th century Renaissance man who was a scientist, philosopher, artist, poet, critic of literature and a futurist of science.
The outstanding and long devoted services of Prof. Siddiqui for the country will always be remembered, he said.
In his opening words, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Choudhary welcomed the guests. He, highlighting the importance of literary activities, said that the great nations were recognized from the supremacy of their art and culture. He pointed out that the international center was the special institution of pure sciences in Pakistan where students were provided opportunities to be familiar with other faculties of knowledge as well.
He asked the students to follow the pathway of Prof. Siddiqui who was really a polyhistor of social and natural sciences. He was the founding director of H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry- University of Karachi, he said.
Earlier, senior professor Dr. Khalid M. Khan and other ICCBS staff and students also presented their poetic work to the audience.
All the poets present on the occasion were of the view that such weighty poetic sessions should be organised on a more frequent and regular basis.