Mysuru, Nov.5- A literary programme was held at the Department of Studies in Urdu, University of Mysore, recently.

Dr. Shaikh Bilal Ahmed, in his address, highlighted the importance of knowledge by quoting Quranic verses and said the importance of knowledge is described clearly and distinctly in Quran and it is because of the knowledge that the world has progressed so much. 

Knowledge can be divided into two types — one is Ilm-e-Seena and another one is Ilm-e Safeena. The duty of seeking knowledge and learning is obligatory for every Muslim. 

Prof. Masood Siraj, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, said there are many challenges in the information technology era, where misinformation has become a major concern.  Calling upon students to learn more and more, acquire knowledge as much as one can, he cautioned youths not to waste their time in social media. 

Gouhar Tarikervi, noted Urdu Poet, praised the Urdu Department for maintaining the standards and encouraging the students by conducting various activities. 

Shameem Raaz Sarooshi, famous Poet from Bengaluru, advised the students to continue their studies after post graduation by taking up research and to concentrate more on the writers belonging to Karnataka. 

Arshiya Banu who bagged 5 gold medals — Walivallah Gold medal,  Allama lqbal Gold Medal, Karnataka Urdu Academy Gold Medal, Syed Riyazuddin Ali Gold Medal,  Hashim Ali Gold Medal for Deccani literature — was felicitated on the occasion. 

This was followed by  a mushaira in which following Urdu poets recited their poems and Ghazals: Prof. Masood Siraj, Gouhar Tarikervi, Syed Ahmed Rahil, Asar Sayeed, Momina Mukhtar, Khalid Irfan, Mohammed Ziaullah and Zahara Khanum.