Asad Gilani
Urdu the national language of Pakistan has been championed in New York by the Urdu Markaz New York since it’s established in 1989 by a young Post Graduate of Karachi University Mr. Raies Warsi. He was born in Karachi, envisioned Urdu Markaz as a literary, cultural and educational institute to work for the International recognition of Urdu as a significant language of the World, recognizing that Urdu literature is a reflection of the highest humanistic values of our nation and has prized the contribution of equally with men, Urdu Markaz has participated it to the International communities.
Raies Warsi representing Urdu Markaz with his background of a Master in Mass Communication helped in the establishment of Urdu newspapers and also cooperated to promote television programing in Urdu on local stations, providing scripts, facilitating, Interviews and background research, Urdu Markaz utilized its literary forum to bring south Asian communities together.
Urdu Markaz has celebrated the achievements of outstanding literati by arranging International and local Mushaira, Seminars discussing the scope and implications of their work, Urdu Markaz also assisted the publication of books by expatriated Pakistani and translation of Urdu literature in English and working towards the establishment of an Urdu library in New York City.
Raies Warsi has become active in local community activities by offering his services to New York City Department of health to translate medical information for patient into Urdu. He has also become involved in local public libraries to encourage to keep more Urdu books and magazines in their holding.
The high point of the Urdu Markaz was organizing the First International Urdu conference, was hold at the United Nations Headquarters, on June 24th 2000, under the auspices of the united Nations. This conference was attended by many Urdu luminaries, Poets, Novelists, Humorists and Critics from across the World. The conference was lauded by the UN Secretary General, The Voice President of the United States, president of Pakistan and India. The session ended with passing of a resolution, presented to the united Nations to include Urdu in its roster of official languages.
In this conference, Urdu Markaz established an International Award “Nishan-e-Urdu” for outstanding contribution to the Urdu language. Famous poet & writer Jameel Uddin Aali was the first recipient of this award. The coordination of successful was accomplished by the tireless, selfless commitment of Raies Warsi.
He started composing poetry at an early age. Warsi gained national attention courtesy his popular Ghazal recited in a national poetry session in Karachi in 1981. His first real breakthrough came when one of his poems was published in the literary magazine “Afkaar” in Karachi (September 1986).He was interviewed both in Pakistani and Indian newspapers as well as on radio and television for his literary contribution. He was listed as a prominent poet in the Directory of Pakistani writers published by the Pakistan Academy of letters (1991-1992 edition). The Asia society of New York printed his Urdu poetry with English translation, along with an introductory paragraph on his poetry and life, in its February 2003, June 2009 and April 2011 brochures. The Voice of America Interviewed him and made a special documentary titled “Future of Urdu language in the USA”.
The First collection of his poetry “AainaHoon Main” was published in 2005. The book has introductory remarks from Chairmen Academy of Letters India Prof. Gopi Chand Narang, Ahmed NadeemQasmi, Ahmed Faraz Dr. JameelJalabi (Former Vice Chancellor Karachi University), Dr. Farman Fatehpuri, (Former Chairmen Urdu Dictionary Board) IftekharArif (Former Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters), Syed ZameerJaffary. Dr. Saeed Warsi and HumairaRehman.
Although Warsi was born and raised in Pakistan, his poetry was well received in India as well. He was invited to write songs for the Bollywood Movie “Hum Tum Aur Mom” released in 2005 directed by Ashok Nanda. His songs for this movie were performed by famous Bollywood singers Udit Narayan and SadhnaSargam.
In September 2002, an Album of Raies Warsi’sGhazals titled “BeetayLamhay” was released by Naeem Hashmi ofPak UA Music Lovers Inc. Producer Khalid abbasDaar, Sung by leading Pakistani classical singers Ghulam Ali, UstadZakir Ali Khan, Hamid Ali Khan, AsadAmanat Ali Khan, Perwaiz Mehdi, Asif Ali, ShamsaKanwal and HumairaChanna.
Raies Warsi received dozens of prestigious awards from South Asian Community based organizations including electronic and print media award. We have chronicled some of the accomplishments of this charismatic poet. His inexhaustible creativity, sharp brilliance and God given gift tells us, his best is yet to come. This quintessential Urdu admirer will not only be marveled for contributing to this deeply textured language, but also as the promoter and custodian of its rich legacy.
