Shairanaa  Shaam 2024

Shairaana Shaam Review

Introduction

Ghazal Manch Surrey, an internationally acclaimed organization dedicated to the promotion and celebration of ghazal poetry, recently hosted another successful event, “Shairaana Shaam” was held on September 14, 2024 at the Surrey Arts Centre and the event was dedicated to the “Art of Ghazal.” This event brought together poetry enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to appreciate the beauty and depth of ghazal poetry, a distinguished form of Urdu literary expression.

Meet and Greet

The meet-and-greet event held prior to the main program was a resounding success, providing an engaging and convivial atmosphere for all attendees. Guests enjoyed a variety of appetizers and refreshments while mingling and socializing with fellow poetry enthusiasts. This informal setting allowed attendees to interact personally with the poets, fostering a deeper connection with the artists and their work. Many took the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the poets, further enhancing their experience. The overall ambiance was one of enthusiastic enjoyment, with attendees expressing high praise for the Ghazal Manch Surrey organization and its achievements. The positive feedback and lively interactions underscored the event's success and the community's strong support for the organization's mission.

Inauguration

The event was ceremoniously inaugurated by Fern Gabriel, a prominent figure from the Kwantlen First Nation and a dedicated hən̓qəmin̓əm̓ (“huhn-khuh-MEEN-um”) language teacher in the Langley School District. Fern Gabriel’s involvement was particularly significant, reflecting her exemplary commitment to cultural preservation and educational excellence. Her presence lent a profound cultural and educational dimension to the evening, emphasizing the interconnections between diverse cultural expressions and the ghazal tradition.

Opening Performance

The event commenced with an evocative performance by Narinder Bhagi, who sang a selection of ghazals. His performance was characterized by an extraordinary depth of emotion and technical skill, which immediately captivated the audience. The quality of Bhagi's voice and the compelling nature of the poetry set a high standard for the evening and garnered widespread acclaim from attendees.

Poetry Performances

Following the opening performance, the stage was graced by a series of talented poets who each offered their own interpretation of ghazal poetry. The following poets performed: Preet Manpreet, Sukhjit Kaur, Davinder Gautam, Rajwant Raj, Inderjit Dhami, Hardam Mann, Deshmesh Firoze Gill, Gurmeet Sidhu, Baldev Seera, Krishan Bhanot and Jaswinder.

Each poet brought a unique style and perspective to their performance, contributing to a diverse and enriching exploration of the ghazal form. Their contributions were met with enthusiastic appreciation from the audience, reflecting the high caliber of talent represented.

Acknowledgments

The event concluded with acknowledgments from two esteemed guests of honor:

• Dr. Bawa Singh, from Punjab-India, former Chairman of the Minority Commission of India and a noted writer.

• Dr. Satinder Kahlon, from Punjab-India, an educationist and writer.

Awards Ceremony

Both guests praised Ghazal Manch Surrey for its role in establishing itself as a global epicenter for the art of ghazal. Their commendations underscored the organization’s significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of this cherished literary tradition.

Immediately following the performances, an awards ceremony was held to honor and express gratitude to the supporters of Ghazal Manch Surrey. During this event, plaques were presented to various individuals and organizations in recognition of their invaluable contributions and steadfast support of the organization. This gesture underscored Ghazal Manch Surrey’s appreciation for those who have played a pivotal role in advancing and sustaining the art of ghazal. The ceremony highlighted the collective effort that has enabled the organization to thrive and further its mission of celebrating this distinguished literary tradition.

In addition, we actively supported local educational institutions by recruiting student volunteers to facilitate cultural exchange and enhance students' understanding of Punjabi heritage. To further promote cultural appreciation, we organized a book sale table dedicated to Punjabi poetry, providing an accessible platform for individuals to acquire literary works and engage with the rich tradition of Punjabi literature.

 Conclusion

The event organized by Ghazal Manch Surrey was a resounding success, marked by a high level of engagement and appreciation from both participants and attendees. The organization’s commitment to celebrating the ghazal tradition was clearly demonstrated through the quality of performances and the recognition received from distinguished guests.

Ghazal Manch Surrey extends its heartfelt thanks to Fern Gabriel, Narinder Bhagi, the participating poets, and the honored guests for their invaluable contributions to this celebration of ghazal poetry. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of promoting and preserving this exquisite art form and looks forward to future events that continue to honor and elevate the ghazal tradition.