PCA to host `Munir Mela`
LAHORE, March 10: A one-day fair dedicated to the memories of Munir Niazi is being planned at Bagh-i-Jinnah`s Open Air Theatre for the end of this month.
Punjab Council of Arts Deputy Director Sofia Baidar, the moving spirit behind the idea of holding Munir Mela, told : “It`s time we should depart from customary seminars and references to remember those who enlightened the world of literature with their words and move to some events which should end the difference between the elite and the public. A mela can be the best choice in this regard.”
Munir Niazi had died of respiratory illness on Dec 26, 2006 in Lahore.
There are too few events of this nature in Lahore; Saghar Siddiqui`s remembrance and Faiz Amn Mela being two of them. Munir Mela is expected to be a welcome addition to city`s literary scene and an annual feature.
Ms Baidar, who has sought inspiration from Faiz Amn Mela, will organise the event from the platform of the PCA. She believes “melas are more powerful in conveying the message of personality in focus to all than customary functions in halls.
“This is for the first time the council is organising an event in memory of a poet and it will hopefully achieve its goal of creating awareness among people,” she said.
Poets would recite their works and writers read out articles about Niazi Sahib. Besides, singers would enthrall audience by presenting the late poet`s poems, ghazals and film songs.
An exhibition will be on display to showcase Munir Niazi`s rare photographs and awards. Dawn
Nahid Munir Niazi, the widow of the poet, demanded that the government convert Munir Niazi`s house in Township into a museum on the pattern of Shakir Ali Museum. “I don`t have any children; life is nothing but a dismal picture of old memories. I want to rekindle these memories of my husband by putting on display his pictures, awards and other belongings for public and for those who loved him,” she told .
She expressed her gratitude to the council for planning a fair.
Muni Niazi was one of the best-known and admired Urdu poets. He also produced poems in the Punjabi language. “Taiz hawa aur tanha phool”, “Jungle mein dhanak”, “Dushmanoon ki darmiyan sham” and “Mah-i-Munir” are some of his popular Urdu publications.
Source: Dawn
Date:3/11/2011
” 
” 
” 
” 
