Source

TORONTO, CANADA, April 26, 2003: Adam Tankarvi, popular poet from England and Adil and Bismil Mansuri, prominent American-Gujarati couple of New Jersey, USA, entertained a Toronto-Gujarati crowd at a “GujLish” Evening in Toronto. Canada’s Gujarati literary group, Shabdasetu, organized a three-hour program of ghazals in Gujarati where these three guest-poets and seven local poets impressed an admiring crowd of more than 135 fans. Ghazal is the most popular poetical form, originally in Urdu, but now in other languages like Gujarati. It consists of at least five and not more than fifteen verses. Due to the SARS scare, two other poets from England, Ahmed Gul and Bedar Lajpuri, were unfortunately forced to cancel their trip. Shailesh Desai welcomed the guests and paid homage to another famous poet, Manhar Modi, who passed away recently. Abid Okadia introduced Shabdasetu and the visiting poets. Adambhai conducted the program and invited local poets first to present their creative poems. Rashida Damani, Raj Patel, Kishor Patel, Manu Patel, Neeta Dave, Abidbhai and Shaileshbhai recited their literary creations. There was a variety in subject ranging from memories of back home to current events and lifestyle in North America. Bismilben recited her philosophical ghazals. Adambhai presented his own ghazals besides adding his own comments with quotes of many other Gujarati ghazal writers. Final one to come was Adilbhai reciting his latest ghazals. Then followed the release of “Ghazalna aaynaa gharmaa,” of Adilbhai by Mr. Jay Gajjar, a local Gujarati writer and recipient of Order of Canada award. Jaybhai briefly spoke about Mansuri’s trendsetting contribution in Gujarati ghazals and reviewed quotes from the latest collection of poems. In the second round again Neetaben, Abidbhai and Shaileshbhai came with their poems. Bismilben and Adambhai took their turns expressing more ghazals. Adilbhai recited his few poems of different styles. In response to request from the audience, Adilbhai recited his Urdu ghazal for many Gujarati speaking Muslims present. Adambhai conducted the show extremely well. He picked up words from the local poets’ creations and recited poems of other well-known poets applying those words. This was a very innovative approach for the local audience, which was admired and well liked by all. Adambhai justified the show-name of “GujLish” (mixture of Gujarati and English words) in his poems. To keep the mood lighter, Adambhai entertained the crowd with humorous anecdotes of Mulla Nasrudeen. Neetaben presented books of Canadian literary writings to the visitors and Abidbhai proposed the vote of thanks to everyone. Financial contribution by few poetry lovers helped in organizing this event. For more information, contact Prakash Mody at “source” above.

Post Views: 214