DUBAI: An exciting event for poetry lovers of India and Pakistan takes place in Dubai this evening (Sep 30, 2010) — an Indo-Pak Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan -- hosted by Hamari Association, a non-profit organisation and Aman ki Asha, the joint peace initiative launched by The Jang Group of Pakistan and The Times of India Group. This is the second such Mushaira to be held in Dubai organised by the Hamari Association and the first collaborative effort between Aman ki Asha and the Hamari Assocation. The two organisations have come together to showcase the very best Urdu and Hindi poets and to promote peace and harmony through the medium of poetry.Hamari Association’s mandate is to facilitate peace and mutual understanding through the universal platform of arts and spreading South Asia’s culture. Aman ki Asha aims to promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts and dialogue between the two countries. The Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan will be held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Dubai. This Middle Eastern state itself provides a perfect example of harmony, a place where Pakistanis and Indians live and work together peacefully. The Mushaira highlights the shared cultural and literary background of the two countries. Hamari Association’s maiden Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan in 2009 was inaugurated by H. E. Talmiz Ahmad, Ambassador of India to the UAE and Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Secretary to the President of India. Several other high level dignitaries, politicians and businessmen attended the hugely successful event. Two outstanding poets, one writing in Hindi and the other in Urdu, were presented with lifetime achievement awards. This year’s event promises to be equally outstanding. Featured poets include some of the most famous poets from the Subcontinent, including Hasan Kamaal, Rahat Indori, Waseem Barelvi and Munawar Rana, Pramod Tiwari, Kumar Vishwas, Tahseen Munawar, Alok Srivastav, Majid Devbandi, Anjum Barabankiwi, Usman Minai, Enayat Ali Khan, Khalid Masood Khan, Ejaz Rehmani, Manzar Ayubi and Abbas Tabish. Over 2,500 personally invited guests from the SAARC member countries are expected to attend and support the cause of peace and shared literary traditions.
