Particular program on the function of Urdu poetry within the anti-apartheid motion organized in South Africa

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Particular program on the function of Urdu poetry within the anti-apartheid motion organized in South Africa

While the function of Urdu in India’s freedom wrestle is uncontested, little is understood that Urdu poetry has additionally performed an vital function in selling anti-apartheid campaigns in South Africa.

A particular occasion was organized right here on Sunday to have fun the function of Urdu poetry in South Africa’s freedom wrestle.

Organized collectively by the Saluji household, concerned within the wrestle of 4 generations, and ‘Benoni Ke Buzme Adab’, a company that promotes Urdu, the occasion was sung by a number of native and worldwide poets.

“Urdu was born in India, but it is not only of Indians. It is the official language of Pakistan, and not only of Pakistanis,” mentioned Shirin Saluji, one of many organisers.

“The voice of Urdu poetry was always on the agenda in South Africa’s anti-apartheid campaigns and we are celebrating it today,” he mentioned.

Saluji recounted how the patriotic tune ‘Par Na Jhanda Ye Neech Jhunna’ (Flag Never Down), which is believed to have been an anthem amongst freedom fighters in India within the Twenties, was already performed in the course of the conferences of the Indian Congress. had acquired cult standing. Movement in South Africa.

“During the freedom struggle in South Africa, this song was on the lips of every patriot and became the revolutionary anthem that inspired many to take up heroic deeds,” Saluji mentioned.

Researcher Rashid Seedat mentioned he and others had been engaged on a venture to protect the legacy of South African Urdu poets.

“In the anti-apartheid campaigns led by the late Dr. Yusuf Dadu, particularly the 1946 resistance marketing campaign, one of many largest campaigns within the Indian neighborhood after Mahatma Gandhi left South Africa, many Urdu poets gathered to jot down these poems. occurred,” he mentioned.

“In 1981, during resistance operations against the South African Indian Council, the puppet body of the apartheid government, the song was revived and found new life among a new generation of activists like me,” he mentioned.

Seedat mentioned that it was too troublesome to do justice to the poems being translated into English, so the venture lay dormant for a while till it resumed this 12 months.

Two groups at the moment are researching the historical past of Urdu poetry in South Africa. One will come out with the e book and the opposite is exploring the thought of ​​a documentary movie. Rokaya Saluji, 89, who turned in style for singing patriotic songs in Urdu at rallies, obtained a particular quotation on the occasion.

She got here to South Africa from India as a younger bride in 1949 and, on account of her new household’s involvement within the anti-apartheid resistance, quickly turned a musician and reciter of Urdu independence songs.

“She became the most coherent in recording the struggle history of our country through her poetry. From the defiance campaign, to the Rivonia trial (which sent Nelson Mandela and others to prison for decades) and Mandela’s ascent to the presidency after his release, these were all things she was writing about in a brilliant and profound way. ,” Sidat mentioned.


With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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