Mushaira in Memory of Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui Held at ICCBS-UoK
Mushaira in Memory of Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui Held at ICCBS-UoK
KARACHI: The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, organized its annual Mushaira (poetry recital), “Mehfil-e-Sukhan,” on Thursday evening in memory of the eminent scientist Prof. Dr. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui.
Renowned Urdu poet Anwer Shaoor presided over the Mushaira, while prominent literary figure and poet Firasat Rizvi was the chief guest. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS, delivered the inaugural address. The Mushaira was skillfully moderated by Dr. Jafar Askari with literary elegance, while hundreds of students, scientists, teachers, and staff enthusiastically participated in the literary gathering.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah said that the purpose of organizing the literary gathering and poetry recital was not only to commemorate the outstanding scientist Prof. Dr. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui, but also to inspire students to develop an interest in poetry and literature for the growth of their creativity.
He pointed out a strong correlation between poetry and science, noting that many great scientists were also poetic thinkers. He said that while science explains the universe, poetry interprets it, both being ways of understanding reality.
Paying tribute to Prof. Siddiqui, Prof. Raza Shah said that he was among the most eminent scientists of his time and was deeply connected with literature and poetry. He added that Prof. Siddiqui played a pivotal role in the development of science in Pakistan by establishing key institutions, including the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry and PCSIR, among others.
In his speech, Firasat Rizvi said that Prof. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui was a polymath in chemistry, philosophy, literature, and languages. He added that Prof. Siddiqui’s multidimensional personality should inspire students, especially those of physical sciences, to follow the literary and intellectual legacy of the great scientist. He noted that the ICCBS annual Mushaira has become the largest literary gathering at the University of Karachi and one of the best-organized Mushairas in the metropolis.
Former Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, and senior poet Prof. Dr. Fayyaz Vaid said that poetry recitals are essential for students to stay connected with emotions, human feelings, and sensitivity. He also paid tribute to the late scientist.
Poets who recited their verses and captivated the audience included Ms. Nasim Nazish, Khalid Moeen, Noman Jafari, Haider Hasnain Jaleesi, Kashif Hussain Ghair, Zaheer Abbas, Jauhar Abbas, Shahzaid Khan, Syed Faisal Mehmood, and Ms. Amood Abrar Ahmed.
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