The Urdu sher (couplet), irrespective of it being composed by a classical or modern poet, is likely to acquire a contemporary nature given the subject it deals with, and its structure. After all, at a time when the vessel for applause and abuse is a social media post, the pathos or passion that the sher evokes can fit nicely into an eloquent 140-character tweet. Hyderabad-based Bazm-e-Sukhan (Assembly of Celebrating Poetry) seeks to bring about an appreciation of poetry by leveraging simple technologies, retaining in-person meetings , and publishing.
“If you see, the 140 characters are perfect for a sher. A gamut of emotions can be expressed in a sher. Contrary to popular perception, technology does not sound the death knell of art. When there is a growth in tech, one sees an increase of interest in literature and art,” says development economist Amir Ullah Khan, co-founder of the Bazm. “It has also helped the Bazm connect with Urdu lovers across the globe.”
The idea germinated a little over four years ago when Mr.Khan and his friend Ashar Farhan sat down and thought about how differently Urdu poetry could be appreciated, especially by those whose mother tongue isn’t Urdu. The result, after consultations, was in-person poetry appreciation meetings organised once a week where participants would recite their couplets or quatrains of their choosing to a resounding and appreciative wah from listeners.
