Time Runs Out!
In Lucknow there is a sacred place in a very
posh locality known as Mall Avenue and the name of that shrine is ‘Dargah Dada
Miyan’. Dada Miyan whose name is Hazrat Khwaja Nabi Raza Shah settled herein
Lucknow from Rampur. He was spiritually inspired by his Peer (spiritual guide)
who enlightened him with all powers he himself possessed and ordered him to
inculcate the spirit of humanity, love and concord among his followers and all
his fallow beings. After Khwaja Nabi Raza Shah who passed away in the
early 20th century his URS (the annual celebration on the date of
his departure to heavenly abode). The URS ceremony takes place at his shrine
every year. Two poetic symposiums are being held as a part of URS. One on the
inaugural session in which poets recite their compositions in praise of Dada
Miyan which strengthens in his followers the believe upon him they so long
possess in them. The URS started on 24th January 2014 with variety of programs
specially halqae zikr and musical
assemblies called Mehfile Sama and
ended on 28th of January with traditional spiritual grandeur. Farhat Hasan Shah
not only manages affairs well but he tries to protect preserve and progress the
traditions of his ancestors.
Famous poet Basheer Farooqui organizes
these poetic symposiums in which I also participate. This year it was chill all
around. Visibility lost itself in the thick fog but the devotees came from all
parts of the country looked fresh and enjoyed every moment perhaps because of
the elixir and heat they attain from their divine object. People flocked there
and a great gathering telling the tale of their devotion which is obvious and
encouraging for those who wish that love should flourish in our country where
unity in diversity is always a salient feature and that is being developed here
around this pious place. People from all cast and creed gather here and their
wishes are fulfilled prayers are granted. The spiritual head of the shrine
‘Sabahat Hasan Shah’ deals with this huge crowd with his patience and
perseverance. Patience is for sure the essence of saintliness. Smile never
departs from his lips and reflects the smiling habit of his soul. For almost a
week during URS rest and relax become foreign to him. With ever prevailing
courtesy he welcomes devotees and visitors and accepts their obeisance in a way
very exuberant. On the invitation of Basheer Farooqui I also went there
to read my poem in poetic symposium but poets of all levels kept blocking my
way which lead to my presenting my poetry. I had to hear about 20 poets some of
them were making good use of the situation rather exploiting the situation as
devotees were showering notes of all kinds on the couplets directly or
indirectly related to their faith. One came after another. Poets earned lot of
money as gift and I had no other work but to collect the notes and hand them
over to respective poets. Time ran out. At about 2:00 A.M. I decided not to
read the poem for I lacked that forbearance which the head of the monastery
Sabahat Hasan Shah has in him due to his spiritual powers which brought success
to him in the test of patience while I was declared failed. I left the place
and analyzed the whole affair arriving at a conclusion that for discipline sake
restraint and restrictions are must and the organizer may be a poet of high
order yet lacked that way of handling something. He should have allotted time
to every poet and after that should have made loudspeakers silent but that
silent he adopted himself as he became simply passive spectator looking highly
helpless wearing an overcoat with a cap in which his whole personality and
tired face was hidden and I could not see what was actually happening to him.
Hats off to him that till morning he heard the good and bad poems of more than
50 poets and some so called poets. His companion Rajeev Prakash ‘Sahir’
although recited his Ghazal and did his job at his turn yet he had to stay
because he was assigned a duty to drop convener cum poet at his home and I am
in a fix how could he discharge his duty. He sacrificed his sleep his rest and
respite and reached his place but after settling Basheer Farooqui at his
residence. Rajeev Prakash Sahir has wonderful regards for his senior and I pray
that should continue. I saw him sitting mute and pensive but firm ang giving
shocks to cold and fog My very trustworthy friend Tauseef Siddiqui has same
reverence for me as Rajeev Ji has for Basheer Farooqui nay he cherishes love
for me and it is not astonishing that till late night he remained with me saw
me off at my place and in the thick fog drove his bike for about another 12
Kilometers to reach his place. Love conquers all. Writer of repute Dr Sultan
Shakir Hashmi attended the function as chief guest while poet Rizwan Faruqi
conducted the proceedings. Wasif Faruqi, Mehtab Haider, Sanjay Misra Shauq,
Farooq Adil, Ashar Alig, Rehmat Lukhnawi, Shakil Gayawi, Tashna Azmi etc. read
their poems and received applause from lovers of poetry.
Massage:
· Patience is always paying one must not lose it and follow
the path of the spiritual people and observe their ways of life.
· Spiritual powers make a person extraordinary.
· One must know the value of the time and understand well
how to handle the various situations.
-
Suhail Kakorvi
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