Revolutionary poet's centenary to be marked at event

Dubai: Salaam Pakistan, a volunteer group based in Dubai, is holding a poetry and musical evening as part of the centenary celebrations of revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

The Pakistani poet gave messages of hope and peace through his work.

The event titled ‘Aik Shaam Faiz Kay Naam', or ‘An evening of tribute to Faiz' will be held on Thursday at Dutac at Mall of the Emirates.

Faiz was one of the most illustrious and distinguished poets of the 20th century. His work ignited the souls of his admirers the world over.

Multi-faceted

Faiz is often described as a poet of hope and peace. He was a multi-faceted individual who had careers as a teacher, an army colonel, a journalist, a trade union leader, a cultural planner, a political prisoner, a peace activist and a film writer.

However, it was his poetry that brought him the love of his people and international fame. His centenary is being celebrated all over the subcontinent and in many places around the world. Faiz's daughter, Salima Hashemi, traced his eventful life through images and anecdotes.

Faiz was imprisoned from 1951 to 1955. During these dark and desolate times when his two young daughters and English wife Alys were on the brink of starvation, he wrote some of his most powerful poetry.

In his letters, his grip on hope and a continuous struggle for a better tomorrow never fails to surprise.

The exchange of letters between Faiz and Alys during these tough times remains one of the few accounts of the love between the two.

The prose is simple and beautiful, the emotion pure and the message unmistakingly clear.

Mira and Adeel Hashemi, Faiz's grandchildren, will read in English and Urdu the letters exchanged over those critical years between the poet and his wife.

The penultimate tribute to Faiz will be by one of Pakistan's most famous classical singers, Tina Sani. Sani's naturally resonant and rich voice quality is perfect for Ghazal singing.

For more information and tickets contact: salaaampakistandubai@gmail.com