Zamane Ko Saath Leke Chalo...

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) Fans and peers remembered tonight poet and political activist Makhdoom Mohiuddin who gave Hindi cinema such memorable lyrics as 'Do badan pyar ki aag mein jal gaye, Ik chameli ke mandve tale...' The occasion was the opening of a three-day seminar to commemorate the birth centenary of the romantic and progressive poet which drew lawmakers as well as artists.

Speakers at Islamic Cultural Centre recalled Andhra-born Mohiuddin's contribution to workers' cause and issues such as Telangana and his commitment to common concerns.

The event was inaugurated by Communist Party of India General Secretary A B Bardhan who called Makhdoom ''truly a people's poet'' who spread his political message through his poetry.

A ''genuine'' poet who wrote about social concerns was how Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh described Mohiuddin in a message read out in absentia.

Noted playwright Habib Tanvir, presiding over the event, spoke about different aspects of Makhdoom's life, from his role in the Telangana movement to the charming 1964 Cha Cha Cha number.

The event is being organised by National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language. Speakers included Former Law Minister P Shiv Shankar, G Venkataswami, MP, Sudhakar Reddy, MP.

The hall overflowed with audience which included Delhi University lecturer Syed Abdul Rehman Gilani, who had been tried in the 2001 Parliament attack case and was escorted by a securityman.

Speaking about his association with the activist poet, Venkataswami said Makhdoom was concerned with the problems of common folks and led a simple life with great ideas.

Highlighted on the occasion were his words: Hayat le ke chalo, kayanaat le ke chalo, chalo to sare zamane ko saath leke chalo...

On the sidelines, the question why lawmakers are slow to respond to popular yearnings evoked varied responses.

Tanvir, whose plays portray contemporary life through folk styles, criticised the phenomenon of lives being assimilated in a system to be used-- as opposed to being lived. ''It's obnoxious.

I speak about it. I write about it.'' UNI MJ VD DB2311