Lucknow: Away from the grandeur of a conventional mushaira, poetry found a more personal voice at ‘Al Nashist’, hosted by Aadaab Arz Lucknow at a Gomti Nagar hotel on Saturday, where verses became a medium for connecting souls.The event revived the city’s poetic culture of ‘arz hai’ and heartfelt ‘wah-wah’, bringing together acclaimed poets Wasif Farooqui, Manish Shukla and Tara Iqbal.Educator and poet Iqbal, honoured with the Saraswati Samman, set the tone with compositions exploring fidelity, human bonds and the aspirations of small-town people.Highlighting the disparities faced by those chasing their dreams, she drove home a compelling message on women’s empowerment: “Betiyan padhani bhi hain, betiyan bachani bhi hain” (Daughters must be educated and protected).Taking the conversation forward, anthropologist and civil servant Shukla dwelt on the essence of a nashisht — a close-knit gathering where attentive ears matter more than loud applause. Such assemblies, he observed, bring literary enthusiasts together for genuine engagement and intellectual enrichment, rather than online recognition.“Magic of poetry lies in its ability to comfort the heart with such effortless grace,” he remarked.Farooqui, meanwhile, paid homage to those who continue to uphold Lucknow’s distinctive tehzeeb, carrying forward the ethos and cultural values nurtured by the city. His recitation also evoked the lasting influence of celebrated poet Rahat Indori.Poetry enthusiast and noted name in the literary circuit Rehan Siddiqui highlighted the growing interest in ‘shayari’ among youngsters.At a time when live music electrifies audiences, he suggested, poetry offers a quieter refuge — stirring emotions, reaching the innermost recesses of the heart and bringing peace to the soul.“Lucknow will always remain a beautiful confluence of grace,” said Aadaab Arz president Iffat Khan.
