New Delhi, Dec 18: Seven Urdu poets were honoured with the Ghalib Awards at the hands of former Prime Minister IK Gujral at an evening here which was made memorable by rendition of ghazals by renowned singer Jagjit Singh.
While Fuzail Jafri, Abid Suhail, Akhtar Saeed Khan, Yograj Tandon, Kamal Ahmad Siddiqui and Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz were felicitated by the prestigious award for their contribution in Urdu literature, Abdul Wadood Azhar was given the award for his criticism and research in Persian language.
Releasing four books attributed to the great Urdu poet, Gujral said "people of both the nations will always strive to preserve the treasure left by Ghalib."
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Ali Siddiqui from Pakistan said Ghalib whose poetry has surpassed time and space, will remain the poet of not only of 21st century but also of 22nd century. Sahitya Akademy Chairman Gopi Chand Narang eulogised the poet by saying the most quotable quotes even from the Parliamentarians come from Ghalib`s ghazals.
In a jam-packed auditorium, the evening turned more colourful when Jagjit Singh began the sham-e-Ghazal programme with one of Ghalib`s famous ghazals `Hazaaron khwahish aisi, ke har khwahis pe dam nikle`.
Bureau Report
