News DeskSharjah, UAE – In a vibrant display of linguistic heritage and cultural pride, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, in partnership with Bazm-e-Urdu, hosted the much-anticipated Urdu Fest 2025 at the Intellectual Hall, Expo Centre Sharjah. The festival gathered students, educators, poets, and literary lovers for a day dedicated to celebrating the elegance and depth of the Urdu language.
Two flagship competitions—Inter-School Baitbaazi Championship and Debate Competition (Taqreeri Muqabla)—were the centerpiece of the festival, drawing participation from five prominent schools across various Emirates. Students showcased their eloquence, confidence, and literary knowledge in front of an appreciative audience and a distinguished panel of judges.
In the Debate Competition, Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain secured both first and third places, while His Highness Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School, Dubai claimed second place. The Baitbaazi Championship saw English Language School (Pvt.) Dubai take top honors, followed by Pamir Private School, Sharjah, and Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain.
The event opened with a warm welcome by Arsal Abbas, and an inspiring introduction to Bazm-e-Urdu by Afia Khan, a Grade 5 student. Shakeel Ahmed Khan, President of Bazm-e-Urdu, commended the volunteers and paid special tribute to the organization’s founder, Rehan Khan, based in Canada, for his strategic role in the festival’s planning.
The Baitbaazi session was skillfully moderated by renowned poet Syed Tabish Zaidi, who emphasized the importance of preserving classical Urdu poetry. He concluded the session with an evocative couplet by Abul Fitrat Mir Zaidi, stirring deep emotional response from the audience.
Dil rahe tayyar sholon se ulajhnay ke liye
Uljhanen tayyar ho jaayein sulajhnay ke liye
دل رہے تیار شعلوں سے الجھنے کیلئے
الجھنیں تیار ہوجائیں سلجھنے کیلئے
The day ended with a graceful prize distribution ceremony emceed by Tarannum Ahmed, acknowledging the contributions of the Sharjah Book Authority and presenting trophies and certificates to all participants and winners.
Urdu Fest 2025 stood as a powerful affirmation of Sharjah’s dedication to nurturing literary talent and safeguarding the cultural richness of the Urdu language for future generations.
