KARACHI: The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University (KU), organised an annual mushaira in memory of prominent scientist Prof Dr Salimuzzaman Siddiqui on the campus the other day.

Former KU vice chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui presided over the mushaira entitled Qalam Baraye Science (Pen for Science).

ICCBS director Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhary delivered opening words at the event attended by famous scholar and poet Prof Sahar Ansari as chief guest, Anwer Shaoor and Firasat Rizvi as guests of honour. The literary gathering was moderated by Jafar Askari Jafar.

Hundreds of students, scientists, teachers and staff were among the audience.

Among other poets were Ms Nasim Nazish, Khalid Moeen, Rashid Noor, Dr Fayyaz Vaid, Noman Jafari, Haider Hasnain Jaleesi, Dr Shakil Farooqui, Ms Ambreen Haseeb Amber, Abdul Hakim Nasif, Kashif Hussain Ghair, Touqeer Taqi, Zaheer Abbas, Ms Mahjabeen Ghazal Ansari, Seeman Navaid and Zafar Moeen Ballay.

Paying tribute to Prof Salimuzzaman, Prof Pirzada Qasim said the scientist had a multifaceted literary personality. Simultaneously, he was a scientist, philosopher, artist, poet, critic of literature and a futurist. He appreciated the efforts made by Prof Iqbal Choudhary for organising the fourth mushaira in his memory.

Prof Sahar Ansari established his speech with the recitation of two Persian poetic lines of Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui. The success and prestige of the mushaira reflected the educational and intellectual legacy of the late scientist who founded the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry in late 1960s, he pointed out. He congratulated the director of the centre for organising the literary programme on the university premises.

He urged other educational institutions in the city to establish an annual literary gathering on a similar pattern.

Prof Chaudhary welcomed the guests and underlined the importance of literary activities. He reiterated that great nations were recognised by the pre-eminence of their art and culture.

He urged senior poets to revive the old poetic heritage, motivating students to increase their level of intellect. The outstanding services of the great scientist for the country would always be remembered, he added.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2020