Lucknow: An event, ‘Sada-E-Zia Sufiana Shaam’ dedicated to the memory of Sufi poet, Syed Zia Alvi Khairabadi was held at the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy on Saturday evening.The event was attended by eminent artists who paid their tributes to the profound Sufi poet whose verses reflected ideals of love, spirituality and the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.Mumbai-based singer Smita Rao Bellur, opened the evening with a timeless Sufi kalam ‘Man Kunto Ali Maula.’Following Bellur’s performance, qawwal Shadab Ahmad Khairabadi took centre stage with a repertoire of traditional qawwalis.Speaking on the occasion, Sufi scholar Dr. Hafeezur Rahman highlighted the inclusive spirit of Sufism.Chief guest filmmaker Muzaffar Ali spoke about the enduring relevance of literature, poetry and traditions in contemporary society.The event was organised was by the Khairabad Foundation which also conferred the ‘Fakhr-E-Khairabad’ award on Dr. Wasiuddin for his contributions to India’s semiconductor sector and Fahad Farooqui for promoting organic farming.
