KARACHI: International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK) organized an annual Mushaira (Symposium of Urdu Poetry) in memory of prominent scientist Prof. Dr. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui at its campus.
Prominent literary figure former Vice-Chancellor, University of Karachi Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui presided over the Symposium entitled “Qalam Braye Science” (Pen for Science).
Director ICCBS Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary delivered opening words. The Mushaira was also attended by famous scholar and poet, Prof. Saher Ansari (as a chief guest), Anwer Shaor (guest of honor), and Firasat Rizvi (guest of honor). The literary gathering was moderated by Jafar Askari Jafar.
Among other poets who entertained the audience included Nasim Nazish, Khalid Moeen, Rashid Noor, Dr. Fayyaz Vaid, Noman Jafari, Haider Hasnain Jaleesi, Dr. Shakil Farooqui, Ms, Ambreen Haseeb Amber, Abdul Hakim Nasif, Kashif Hussain Ghair, Touqeer Taqi, Zaheer Abbas, Mahjabeen Ghazal Ansari, Seeman Navaid, and Zafar Moeen Ballay.
Prof. Pirzada Qasim, paying tribute to great Prof. Siddiqui, said that the deceased professor had a multifaceted literary personality. He was simultaneously a scientist, philosopher, artist, poet, a critic of literature and a futurist of science. He appreciated the efforts made by Prof.
Prof. Saher Ansari established his speech with the recitation of two Persian poetic lines of Prof. Saleemuzzaman Siddiqui. The success and prestige of Mushaira reflect the educational and intellectual legacy of the deceased scientist, who founded the famous H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry in lately 60s, he pointed out.
Prof. Ansari congratulated the director of the center for organizing such an impressive literary program on the university’s premises. He urged other educational institutions in the city to establish at least an annual literary gathering by following the line of ICCBS.
Prof. Iqbal Choudhary, delivering an opening speech, welcomed the guests and underlined the importance of literary activities. He reiterated that the great nations were recognized from the preeminence of their art and culture.
He urged senior poets to revive the old poetic heritage motivating students to grow their level of intellect by bowing down on knees to their teachers.
The outstanding and long devoted services of the great scientist for the country will always be remembered, he said, while paying tribute to late Dr. Siddiqui.
He pointed out that the international center was the special institution of physical sciences in Pakistan where students were provided opportunities to be familiar with other faculties of knowledge as well.
Pakistani students own the pathway of Prof. Siddiqui to follow, as he was really a polyhistor of social and natural sciences.
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