Faiz Ahmed Faiz remembered

A tribute to poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz at Panjab University brought together poetry, music and critical discussions on his enduring legacy. The event featured a ghazal performance, thought-provoking speeches and a mushaira where students recited poetry inspired by Faiz’s works.

Arman Singh from the Law Department opened the event with a soulful ghazal performance. Research scholar Khalil from the Urdu Department moderated the session, which included keynote addresses by Sudhir Mehra from the English Department and Ali Abbas, Chairperson of the Urdu Department.

Mehra highlighted the socialist underpinnings in Faiz’s poetry and their relevance to contemporary struggles, emphasising the need for an interventionist approach to challenge the status quo. Abbas discussed Faiz’s literary style and its role in amplifying his political and philosophical messages.

Research scholar Aditya from IISER, Mohali, in his introductory note, challenged the view of Faiz as merely a romantic poet, presenting him as a voice for justice and equality. A mushaira followed, with students Jahangir Ahmed, Pradeep Mittal, Rohit, Kajal, Pawan Musafir and Narayan Singh presenting their poems. Deepinder Kaur from the Law Department and Ojaswini from the English Department recited Faiz’s revolutionary poems, placing them in historical context.

Vinod Choudhary, Chairperson, Sociology Department, chaired the session.