By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: A litterateur being adored and eulogized in his life time for his literary pursuits and his overall personality when one is alive and kicking is a rare moment. It is certainly a break from the set tradition and trend of praising one to the skies after one is dead and gone.
These rare moments came in the life of noted Urdu writer, critic and poet Dr. Khalid Mahmood, who is Professor in the Department of Urdu at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, when a programme entitled “Aik Shaam Professor Khalid Mahmood Ke Naam” was organized by Urdu litterateurs of Bhopal and sponsored by a number of organizations associated to the cause of betterment of Urdu language. The occasion was the release of a book “Khalid Mahmood –Shakhsiyat-wa-Fun” wherein articles on the life and works of Khalid Mahmood by leading Urdu writers have been compiled and edited by Saifi Sironji.
The programme was presided over by eminent Urdu personality Prof. Afaq Ahmad. It was graced by Prof. Akhtar-ul-Wasey, Head of Islamic Studies in Jamia Millia Islamia; Prof. Atiqullah of Delhi University and Dr. Mohammad Nauman Khan, Reader in the Department of Languages, NCERT, amongst others. Dr. Mahmood’s better half Prof. Tasneem Fatima, a Biotechnologist of repute, was also present on the dais. The audience comprised of noted Urdu writers, poets, journalists and elite of the town. Iqbal Masood, joint secretary in Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, conducted the programme with aplomb.
Dr. Khalid Mahmood, who is son of the soil being born in Sironj – a small township near Bhopal, was felicitated on the occasion with a shawl and a memento which was presented by poet Naseem Ansari, president of Majlis-e-Iqbal. Zia Farooqui presented him a poetic citation which he first rendered in his inimitable style for the benefit of the assemblage.
The proceedings in the evening also gave a glimpse of how a person’s dedication towards propagating a language and literature makes him a valuable asset for society and he is adorned all over. It was a living example.
Dr. Mahmood replying to the felicitation said that he was overwhelmed by the praises showered upon him. He said that his friends and colleagues went out of the way to bestow their love for him and his works though he did not deserve it that much.
Prof. Akhtar-ul-Wasey speaking on the occasion said that he has seen and experienced Dr. Khalid Mahmood as the true lover of Urdu. He was all praise for the people of Bhopal in general and Saifi Sironji in particular for honouring Khalid in his life time in an era where one’s head and heart qualities are recognized and idolized only after one’s death.
Prof. Atiqullah, a noted Urdu critic, while throwing light on various aspects of Dr. Khalid’s life and works said his poetic calibre is above general traditions and the satirical punch in his verses give a new thrust to it. He also lauded his literary journey of research and criticism.
Dr. Nauman, a friend and colleague of Dr. Khalid, in a detailed paper recalled anecdotes during college days as students in Saifia College at Bhopal. He said Khalid’s romantic poems left deep impressions on fairer sex many of whom were so moved as if to throw their heart at him thinking that they were subject matter of his creative writings and some particular lines were specially written keeping them in view.
He recalled that he had to intervene on one or two occasions to calm the emotions of a girl student who was lost in thoughts after Khalid rendered his “Ghazal” (romantic poem) in class describing the beauty of eyes of a lass. She considered herself to be the dream girl of the said poet and came to terms with realty and relented only when told that the poet had written the piece even before he had seen her.
Arif Aziz, a senior journalist, in his short paper described the different aspects of Dr. Khalid’s poetry especially the presence of satirical angle in his writings.
Prof. Mukhtar Shameem read out famous novelist Ghazanfar’s write-up describing Dr. Khalid’s personality entitled “Dr. Khalid Mahmood — Kayee Chahron ka Aadmi”. The presentation was in a dramatic narrative form which the audience listened with bated breath.
Saifi Sironji, who edited the book “Khalid Mahmood –Shakhsiyat-wa-Fun”, said after giving shape to the special number of tri-monthly Urdu magazine “Intasab” on Dr. Khalid Mahmood it was his desire and dream to bring out a book on him while including those articles which could not be accommodated in the magazine.
Others who expressed their views on the occasion included Prof. Mukhtar Shameem, Anwar Husain Anwar, Dr. Arjumand Bano Afshan, Prof. Tasneem Fatima, Naseem Ansari and Zafar Sahbai. Shahid Meer rendered a “Ghazal” of Dr. Mahmood in “Tarannum” on the occasion.
It may be mentioned here that a seminar on life and works of Dr. Khalid Mahmood would be organized by Delhi Urdu Academy on November 22 this year. This was informed by Dr. Nauman on the occasion.
It may be pointed out here that Dr. Khalid Mahmood, who has authored nine books up till now, had received awards in 1983 from Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy for his book “Samandar Ansha” (a self composed poetry collection); in 1999 from Delhi Urdu Academy and Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy for “Urdu Safar Namon ka Tariqeedi Muta’ala” and in 2000 again from Delhi Urdu Academy for “Adab ki Tabeer” He has also scores of papers published in referred journals and elsewhere.
He holds membership of professional/ learned Bodies/societies such as: Committee of Courses, Udaipur University, Rajasthan; Jamia Cultural & Literary Committee; Urdu Committee, National Open School, New Delhi; Indian Society for Afro-Asian Studies, New Delhi; Committee of Experts, Rohailkhand Univiversity, Bareilly and Committee of Experts, National Open School, New Delhi. ([email protected])