Abbas Khan College for Women Hosts Intercollegiate Ghazal Competition
Event highlights cultural expression and literary talent of young women
Bengaluru: Abbas Khan College for Women (AKCW) hosted an intercollegiate Ghazal Competition and Mushaira Program on Wednesday as part of its ongoing efforts to promote Urdu literature and cultural arts among students. The event, held in the college auditorium, drew enthusiastic participation from a large number of students, many of whom delivered soulful renditions, showcasing both linguistic finesse and artistic confidence.
بنگلورو میں اردو ادب کا جشن — نوجوان خواتین نے ہنر اور ثقافت کا جُھلکتا ہوا نمونہ پیش کیا
Cultural celebration with strong participation
The programme, organised by the Department of Urdu under IQAC, provided a platform for young women from various colleges to present their poetic and musical abilities. Faculty members, dignitaries from Urdu literary bodies, and students attended the event, creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere.
Chief Guest Prof. Sabiha Zubair Khan, Former Vice Principal and Head of the Department of Urdu at AKCW, praised the participants for their dedication to the Urdu language. “Events like these remind us that creativity thrives when young minds are encouraged. Our students today have shown that art has the power to shape confidence, identity and purpose,” she said, urging students to continue nurturing their literary talents.
Dignitaries highlight the importance of cultural values
The programme was presided over by Janab Farooq Mahmood, President of the Karnataka chapter of the Central Muslim Association (CMA). CMA General Secretary Attar Syed Murtaza Hussain emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting youth-focused cultural initiatives. “Promoting cultural values among our young women is essential for building a society rooted in harmony, knowledge and creativity. Today’s programme is a reflection of that vision,” he said.
Mohammed Ali Qazi, Chairman of the Karnataka Urdu Academy, lauded the college for providing a platform where young women could engage deeply with Urdu poetry. “Every voice we heard today carries the promise of keeping our literary heritage alive. Such programmes strengthen the cultural fabric of our community,” he remarked.
Academy Member Abid Aslam added that the energy and passion displayed by the students signaled a positive future for Urdu literary traditions. “The enthusiasm of these young poets shows that the next generation is ready to take our legacy forward with pride,” he said.
Encouragement from community and academic leadership
Alhaj Babaji, President of Bazm-e-Shaheen, appreciated the artistic quality of the performances. “The confidence and talent expressed by these students reassure us that Urdu literature will continue to flourish through youthful imagination,” he said.
Principal of AKCW, Prof. Dr. M. S. Vidya, expressed her pride in the students and faculty for organising a meaningful event. “Our college strives to create spaces where young women grow not only academically but also culturally. Today’s performances reflect the strength, discipline and creativity our students carry within them,” she said.
A platform for talent and empowerment
The event concluded with appreciation for all participants and recognition of the college’s efforts to encourage artistic expression among women. Teachers noted that the students’ participation—especially in reciting ghazals—demonstrated growing interest in Urdu arts and strengthened the cultural engagement within the campus community.
The programme served not only as a competition but as a celebration of language, heritage and the empowering role of artistic expression in women’s education.
