By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Iranian Embassy along with Lucknow University’s (LU), Department of Urdu will set up ‘Bedil Literary Society’ to popularize and preserve the literary contributions of Mirza Abdul Qadir ‘Bedil’- one of the most
significant Persian poet and thinker from India.
Announcing the association at a program held at Academic Staff College, LU, Cultural Counselor of Embassy of Islamic republic of Iran in New Delhi Karim Najafi said: “The society ‘Bedil Literary Society’
will also strive for generating interest in literature in other languages particularly among the youth of Lucknow”.
Underlining the significance of cultural heritage of Lucknow Najafi stated that the city was his first choice to begin the society. He stated that the embassy will lend all possible help in making the society’s efforts towards encouraging youth towards literature a success.
The Iranian Counselor appreciated the work of Chief Minister Mayawati for establishing the first Urdu, Arabi and Farsi (Persian) University in the state. He also lauded the contribution of Nawal Kishore Press
in Lucknow for popularizing Persian literature.
Speaking at the occasion, Akhtar Mahdi from Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi stated that unfortunately ‘Bedil’ an Indian poet has got very less recognition in India itself. In all the Persian speaking nations he is held at par with Khusru and Ghalib. “Bedil was the unquestioned king of Sabk-e-Hindi (The Indian style of writing Persian). Even Ghalib and Iqbal tried to follow his footsteps and even referred to Bedil in their poetry,” he remarked.”
Anis Ansari, vice-chancellor of the proposed Urdu, Arabi and Farsi (Persian) University, eminent Persian scholar WH Ansari, Arif Ayyub, Head Department of Persian, LU, among others were also present during
the function.
Bedil (1644-1721) was a significant signature in Indian poetry penning nearly 1.5 lakh verses in Persian. He is believed to be born in modern day Patna and buried in Delhi. However some scholars put his birth and death place in Afghanistan. It is believed that even Mirza Ghalib was inspired by his works.