Events in Delhi to mark poet Faiz’s birth centenary

NEW DELHI - To commemorate the birth centenary of renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz in 2011, the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat) here has planned a series of cultural programmes centring on him next year, beginning Jan 1.

Both Indian and Pakistani artistes will perform in the programmes.

According to a Sahmat statement Tuesday, on Jan 1 there will be a screening of a film on Faiz by his daughter Muneeza, launch of a calender with his poetry and paintings by artist M.F. Husain, and recitation of his poems by Planning Commission member Saeeda Hameed.

There will also be a dance performance by Astad Deboo based on Faiz’s poetry and a performance by Mahmood Farouqi and Danish Husain based on his life and writings. Ali Sethi from Pakistan would also perform.

“Faiz is one of the greatest poets of south Asia and throughout 2011 Sahmat intends to organise a series of events around him, the contribution of the Progressive Writers’ Association (PWA) and the cultural movements led by the Left, of which Faiz was one of the founders,” the statement said.

“The events will, in addition to celebrating his poetry, will also focus on issues that were dear to him,” it added.

Jan 1 will also be observed as the 22nd Safdar Hashmi Memorial day. An actor, director, and lyricist associated with street theatre, Hashmi was killed while performing a street play “Halla Bol” Jan 2, 1989.