Indian community in Riyadh bids farewell to Dr. Haneef Tarin

Riyadh, Jun 15: The Indian community bid adieu to famous physician-turned-author and poet Dr. Haneef Tarin in an emotionally charged poetry evening organized by the Indian literary organization Bazm-e-Sher O Sukhan on Wednesday night in Riyadh.

Tarin, an illustrious poet and author was in the Kingdom for 33 years working with the Ministry of Health. He has 13 books to his credit including nine Urdu books and two books each in Arabic and English and many of his poetic collections have been translated into Arabic and English including “The Truth of Terrorism,” which was highly appreciated by none other than former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Popular among the expatriate community and in the poetry evenings in Riyadh which he frequented on a regular basis, Tarin has been honored by India’s Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, Delhi Urdu Academy, Maharashtra Urdu Academy and various literary and voluntary organizations in the Kingdom in recognition of his valuable literary services and contributions to promote the Urdu language.

In this poetry evening too he was presented with a memento and a traditional shawl by legendary Pakistani poet, writer and critic Prof. Mashkoor Hussain Yaad, who also presided over the farewell session.

Yaad was the chief guest at the function, while top Indian businessman and philanthropist Nadeem Tarin was the special guest.

Yaad also recited his famous ghazals for the benefit of the audience from India and Pakistan and to honor Tarin, who is bidding adieu to the Kingdom after successfully completing his tenure.

Bazm-e-Sher O Sukhan President Aarif Muzaffarnagari also enthralled the audience with his poetry and highlighted Tarin’s contribution to the Urdu language, whereas senior Urdu enthusiast K. N. Wasif read a “Khaka” (sketch) entitled “Haeef Tarin, a literary extremist,” in which he essayed the services and contribution of Tarin and exuded confidence that after retirement from the medical profession, he will be at leisure to promote the Urdu language.

Earlier, the Deccan Cultural Association also felicitated Tarin for his valuable service to literary and cultural programs.

A. A. Shameem, association chairman portrayed Tarin as a well-wisher of the Urdu speaking community and presented a traditional shawl, whereas poets from Rabab-e-Sahra, a Riyadh based literary organization founded by Tarin, presented their poetic contributions.