SMIU Literary and Arts Societies stage “Jashn-e-Shaeri” to celebrate classical Urdu, Sindhi poetry

The Literary Society and Arts Society of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) jointly organized a vibrant literary and cultural evening titled “Jashn-e-Shaeri”, drawing a large audience to the university auditorium, which remained packed throughout the event.
The programme aimed to revive classical Urdu and Sindhi poetic traditions through theatrical performance, declamation, and musical expression, with students presenting a creative tribute to some of the most celebrated literary figures of the subcontinent.
The event opened with a documentary on renowned Urdu poet Josh Malihabadi, tracing his literary journey, ideological depth, and enduring influence on Urdu literature. The presentation set the tone for an evening rooted in literary reflection and artistic expression.
A key highlight of the evening was a dramatized mushaira segment, in which students portrayed iconic poets while reciting their ghazals and poems in character. The performances featured poetry of Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Muneer Niazi, Nasir Kazmi, Jaun Elia, Parveen Shakir, and Sindhi poet Shaikh Ayaz.
The enactment-based format, blending costume portrayal with poetic recitation, was met with strong audience engagement, with repeated applause echoing through the hall, particularly during the performance inspired by Jaun Elia, which received the most enthusiastic response from students.
Other portrayals were also widely appreciated for their expressive delivery and attention to the poetic tone and personality of the respective poets, creating an immersive literary atmosphere that connected classical poetry with contemporary student interpretation.
Among the notable guests, Dr. Subash, Chairperson of the Department of Social and Development Studies at SMIU addressed the audience and commended the students for their creative approach in bringing classical literature to life. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering literary appreciation and strengthening students’ connection with cultural heritage.
Assistant Professor Wafa Mansoor Buriro, Patron of the Literary Society, also spoke on the occasion, appreciating the joint efforts of both societies for organizing a well-coordinated and intellectually engaging programme that successfully promoted literary culture on campus.
The evening concluded on a lively note with a musical jamming session, where students showcased singing and beatboxing performances, adding a contemporary artistic dimension to the literary programme.
Organizers termed the event a success, noting the strong participation, audience engagement, and the effective revival of classical poetry through performance-based storytelling.