An event took place recently at the premises of National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) on the poetry and writings of the great Urdu poet Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib. Since the President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, is a huge admirer of the poet, he was requested to attend the programme as the Chief Guest of the event along with his wife Ms. Samina Alvi.
The President was welcomed by NAPA Board of Directors President Syed Jawaid Iqbal, President Emeritus Zia Mohyeddin, Honorary Acting President Javed Jabbar and members of the board, including Tariq Kirmani, Shahrukh Hassan, Mahtab Rashdi, Anwar Rammal, Satish Anand and Fauzia Naqvi.
President Alvi praised impeccable rendering of some of Ghalib’s memorable poetry and writings by Zia Mohyeddin, NAPA President. Dressed immaculately in a black sherwani, Zia sahab vividly evoked glimpses from the unique life and times of the legendary poet.
A group of NAPA alumni, comprising both young women and men, led by the Head of the Music Faculty Ustad Nafees Ahmed on the sitar, presented five ghazals written by Ghalib with impressive talent and sensitivity. The music was composed by Arshad Mahmud and the programme was conducted by Head of the Drama Faculty, Khalid Ahmed. The beautiful presentation was lauded by all.
Speaking at the conclusion of the programme, President Dr. Arif Alvi emphasised the formative role of creative and performing arts, culture and literature for reflecting the rich heritage of the country and fostering a dynamic national identity. He called for NAPA to set up similar centres of excellence across Pakistan so that people in those areas could have convenient access to the enormous wealth of the country’s civilisational heritage which began over 5,000 years ago.
Since Covid-19 has its restrictions, the event was held in attendance of the NAPA staff and students only. The 10-member ensemble comprised Mehboob Ashraf, Yusuf Bashir, Sara Waqar, Amoon Daas, Liza, Cynthia, Obaid, Nigel Bobby, Simal Nafees and Sabeen Nawab Khan. 
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