Letters from the past

Gulf News looks back over the years at concerns and issues raised by readers in their letters to the newspaper. It is a retrospective that offers an insight into the community, the development of the country and the people. Here we present a set of letters from 1986.

We deny
Gulf News's report regarding the Indo-Pakistan Mushaira to be held on February 13, 1986, has no connection with the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association. No such association exists in the UAE and any attempt to represent otherwise by the use of AMU monogram, letterhead is entirely unauthorised and appropriate action will be taken to prevent such misrepresentation.
From several signatories
UAE

Why Faiz?
I fully endorse the views expressed by the Aligarh old boys in Gulf News regarding the Indo-Pakistan Mushaira. Aligarh Muslim University is a very sensitive subject to most of the Aligarians and any effort to misuse or malign its name by using it for commercial activities would not be tolerated by them. The idea of holding a Mushaira in the commemoration of Faiz Ahmad Faiz is disputable.
From Mr Dawood bin Ozair
Dubai

Wrong link
I am also obliged to crave the indulgence of your columns in order to express the sense of outrage, which I know is shared by all right-thinking old boys of Aligarh in the UAE, at the brazen attempt by outside parties to exploit the venerable name of Aligarh for commercial purposes. Should such priests persist in linking the name of Aligarh to the Indo-Pakistan Mushaira, we would then insist that the entire proceeds of the function go to the benefit of Aligarh.
From Mr Taj Ahmad
Dubai

Great either way
According to Gulf News, the Mushaira is supposed to be held in Dubai in the memory of Faiz and is to be organised by the Aligarh old boys. The two Aligarian correspondents have alleged that the Aligarh old boys have nothing to do with the Mushaira and certain interested parties are using their name for commercial gains. If the allegation is true, then I sympathise with them. No one should condone the unauthorised use of someone's name for commercial gains.
From Mr N. A. Ahmad
Abu Dhabi

Connections
The image of Aligarh has existed now for over a century and its representatives are to be found not only throughout our sub-continent but also in many other countries of the world. Thereby providing a graphic illustration of Shakespeare's famous lines: "See how far a candle throws its beams so shines a good deed in a naughty world." The connection of Ghalib, Hali and Iqbal with Aligarh is another issue. Whilst Ghalib antedates the actual establishment of Aligarh, he was a link through Sir Syed. As a young man Sir Syed found much encouragement for his ideas from this enlightened poet.
From Mr Ahmad
Dubai