In a fast-moving digital world, where attention spans are shrinking and verse competes with viral reels, one tradition has stood firm for over seven decades — the ‘Shankar-Shad’ mushaira. On April 5, Delhi will witness the 56th edition of this remarkable gathering, a celebration of Urdu poetry, memory, and cultural unity.
Born out of post-Partition longing and hope, the mushaira was envisioned by industrialist Lala Shri Ram at his home on Curzon Road. It was not just a literary initiative but a heartfelt tribute to his poet brother Shankar Lall ‘Shankar’ and son Murli Dhar ‘Shad’. In those emotionally charged early years, when India and Pakistan were navigating the turbulent waters of separation, this platform became a rare space of cultural continuity.
Over the decades, ‘Shankar-Shad’ became a confluence of poetic giants from both nations — Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Zehra Nigah, Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi, and many others graced its stage. Actor Dilip Kumar’s presence as chief guest added cinematic sparkle, while his speeches in Urdu made the event even more memorable.
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Today, the tradition continues under the stewardship of the next generation, albeit in a changed world. This year’s edition at Modern School, Barakhamba, will showcase renowned Indian poets like Javed Akhtar, Waseem Barelvi, Gauhar Raza, and Shabeena Adeeb. While the current diplomatic freeze between India and Pakistan means no cross-border participation, the spirit of shared heritage remains. Akhtar, in a recent reflection, highlighted the challenge of sustaining interest in mushairas amidst the lure of quick digital gratification. Yet, he remains hopeful, suggesting innovations like live-streaming and integration with cultural events and education to keep the tradition alive.
The ‘Shankar-Shad’ mushaira isn’t just a poetry event — it’s a living archive of Indo-Pak dialogue, an emotional bridge, and a testament to the timeless power of words. As Delhi gathers once again to listen to couplets that stir the soul, one thing is clear — poetry, no matter the age, still knows how to bring people together.
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