Ghalib remembered on 210th Birth anniversary

New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) The onslaught of rock music and English Pop may have rendered his poetry and prose into a state of obsolescence but the philosophy inherent in Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib's work is more relevant today than ever before.

This was the message that came across as a host of political luminaries today remembered Mirza Asadullah Khan, better-known as Mirza Ghalib, on the occasion of his 210th birth anniversary.

Addressing a function on the occasion of naming of a DDA park near Neela Gumbad in Nizamuddin as "Mirza Ghalib Bagh after the great poet, Haryana Governor A R Kidwai said that Ghalib's philosophy, contained in his poetry and prose is more relevant today.

Speaking after unveiling the plaque, jointly with Delhi Lt Governor B L Joshi, Dr Kidwai said,''it is heartening that after 150 years we are remembering Ghalib and have realised that his contribution needs to be recognised. Remembering him by naming this park is a great tribute to him as he enriched the culture of this city with his poetry.'' Present on the occasion were Delhi Mayor Farhad, ICCR Director General Pawan Verma, who was written a book on the poet, Engineer Member, DDA, Finance member DDA and a large number of residents.

''Mirza Sahab enriched the culture of Delhi with his poetry and his creative contribution needs to be acknowledged by the society,'' Mr Joshi said.

On the occasion of the poet's 210th anniversary, the ICCR has, over the next few days, organised several cultural programmes.

Dr Kidwai said there could not be a better befitting tribute to Ghalib than having different cultural programmes in his memory.

Stressing on the need to take forward contributions of Ghalib to the modern generation, Dr Kidwai said nuances of life and his experiences contained in Ghalib's philosophy could go a long way towards benefiting the society.

Mr Verma, recounting the life and times of Mirza Ghalib, said that Ghalib was a very spirited person and lived his life fully.

''It is a misfortune that the prestige which should have been bestowed to him could not be done during his lifetime but all the same his works kept him alive through the years,''he said, suggesting that an Annual Mussehra should be held in this Bagh in Ghalib's memory.

The anniversary of Ghalib also coincides with the DDA entering its 50th year of inception as it is on this day that the Parliament passed the Delhi Development Act.

UNI AR VD HT1825