Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, paid tribute to the celebrated poet Mustafa Zaidi on his birth anniversary with a special event held at the Josh Malihabadi Library in the Ahmed Shah Building. Attendees included literary figures such as President of the Arts Council, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, as well as notable speakers Farasat Rizvi, Dr. Fatima Hassan, and Ambareen Haseeb Ambar. The event was moderated by Shakeel Khan and presided over by the renowned poetess Zehra Nigah. Adeel Zaidi, who currently resides in the U.S., offered a rich reflection on Mustafa Zaidi’s life, sharing personal anecdotes and readings from literary giants Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Josh Malihabadi. Zehra Nigah, in her presidential address, praised Zaidi’s mastery of language, explaining how his words seemed to obey his call, which was evident in the depth and emotion of his poetry. She highlighted love as a central theme in his work, stating, “No poet has ever written such historically poignant verses for his beloved in the presence of his wife with such respect.” She further mentioned a particular poem where Zaidi beautifully illustrated the flaws of both himself and his German wife, showcasing his emotional complexity. Farasat Rizvi, reflecting on Zaidi’s influence, shared, “I learned a lot from Mustafa Zaidi. His poetry resonated with me deeply during adolescence, a sensitive time when one is moved by the beauty of colors and scenes. His poetry, rooted in knowledge and imagination, stands out as a masterpiece of love.” Rizvi also recounted the powerful memorial for Zaidi, where luminaries like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Josh Malihabadi, and Jaun Elia paid their respects. Dr. Fatima Hassan emphasized the poet’s lasting influence, remarking that Zaidi not only shaped the poetic tastes of his generation but also inspired a shift towards modernity in Urdu poetry. She recalled the shift from classical poets like Mir and Ghalib to the progressive movement, which included Zaidi as a key voice alongside other romantic poets like Majaz and Faiz. Ambareen Haseeb Ambar concluded by expressing how heartening it was to see Zaidi’s legacy being honored. She lamented that his poetry often went underappreciated due to an excessive focus on his personal life, a challenge also faced by his mentor, Josh Malihabadi. She recalled how Josh used to say, “If, God forbid, all of Josh’s works were lost, Zaidi could rewrite them from memory.” Tribute event stood as a reminder of the lasting impact Mustafa Zaidi had on Urdu poetry, ensuring his work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, unique style, and literary merit.
