CHANDIGARH: In a powerful homage to the legendary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Praxis, in collaboration with the Department of Urdu and the Department of Sociology, organized a thought-provoking event at Panjab University on his anniversary. The event aimed to explore the themes of Faiz’s poetry, the socio-political issues he addressed, and the enduring relevance of his words as instruments of resistance and hope.
The gathering began with a moving musical ghazal performance by Arman Singh from the Law Department, setting an evocative tone for the discussions.
Moderated by Khalil, a research scholar and poet from the Urdu Department, the event featured Department of English Dr. Sudhir Mehra, and Chairperson, Department of Urdu Dr. Ali Abbas as distinguished keynote speakers.
Addressing the function, Dr. Sudhir Mehra, provided a critical analysis of the socialist underpinnings in Faiz’s work, linking them to historical and contemporary struggles. He emphasised on the significance of the interventionist approach to life without which status quo cannot be challenged.
Dr. Ali Abbas, delved into Faiz’s literary techniques, illustrating how his writing style enhanced the impact of his political and philosophical messages.
Earlier, Research scholar Aditya from IISER Mohali delivered the introductory note, challenging the common perception of Faiz as merely a romantic poet. He highlighted how Faiz’s poetry serves as a rallying cry for justice, inspiring generations to envision a more just and equitable world.
The discussions were followed by a mushaira, where students from various disciplines showcased their poetic prowess. Students who recitated poems were Jahangir Ahmed, Pradeep Mittal, Rohit, Kajal, Pawan Musafir, Narayan Singh.
Their performances captivated the audience, bringing Faiz’s words to life. Additionally, Deepinder Kaur (Law Department) and Ojaswini (English Department) recited some of Faiz’s most iconic revolutionary poems, placing them in their historical context while emphasising their continued significance in today’s world.
The event concluded with a compelling end note by Dr. Pankaj Shrivastava, who underscored the urgency of such intellectual and artistic engagements, particularly in university spaces, where the spirit of free thought and resistance must thrive. The event was chaired by Dr. Vinod Choudhary, Chairperson of the Sociology Department.
With a vibrant mix of music, poetry, and critical discourse, the event successfully highlighted Faiz’s enduring legacy as a poet of resistance, reaffirming the power of literature in shaping socio-political consciousness.