Mumbai Marks Saadi Shirazi Day With Symposium On Persian Poet’s Legacy

On Monday, April 21, his birth anniversary which is observed as 'Saadi Shirazi Day', the Iran Culture House, Mumbai, and Urdu Caravan, organised a symposium at Islam Gymkhana to celebrate the poet's legacy.

Saadi is an influential figure in Persian literature, with his ghazals and poetry finding readers outside Iran, especially in India where his literary works are an important element in Persian studies. “Saadi's works, especially his books 'Gulistan' and 'Bostan' have been part of traditional curricula and his moral teachings have deeply influenced the philosophical underpinnings of Urdu literature,” said Farid Ahmed Khan. president, Urdu Caravan. “It is a matter of great honor and joy for us to pay tribute today to one of the most illustrious poets, philosophers, and ambassadors of human values the world has ever known."

Mohammad Reza Fazel, director, Iran Culture House, said that Saadi's legacy is echoed in the works of later poets, such as Amir Najmuddin Hassan bin Alaa Sajzi Dehlavi, often referred to as the 'Indian Saadi.' “The influence of Saadi on Amir Hassan is evident, as both poets explore the depths of love and the human experience through their verses,” said Fazel who added that Saadi's works serve as a bridge for cultural exchange between India and Iran.

Saadi's travels influenced his poetry which drew from the teachings of mystics, including Suhrawi. enriched his understanding of mysticism, allowing him to weave profound philosophical insights into his poetry, said speakers at the symposium. He wrote clearly and precisely ion and clarity, devoid of superfluous language.

Dr. Rafia Shabnam Abedi, writer and poet, chaired the meeting. Hassan Mohseni Fard, the acting Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai, was a guest at the function. Speakers included Dr Mohammad Qamar Alam, professor in the Persian Department at Aligarh Muslim University; Dr Mufti Mohammad Alauddin Qaderi, expert in Islamic mysticism; and Yousef Abrahani, lawyer and president of Islam Gymkhana.

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