Poets from Pakistan and India came together at a poetry gathering in Brisbane, united by a shared mission to promote peace, love, and cultural harmony. The event, a Mushaira (traditional poetry symposium), was organized by the Literary Council of Australia and drew participants and audiences from across the country.
Organizers said the strong turnout from both Indian and Pakistani communities was a testament to the unifying power of poetry.
“We host events throughout the year that bring together poets and literary enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds,” said Dr. Bernard Malik, one of the event’s organizers. “This Mushaira is more than a celebration of language—it is a platform for peace and understanding.”
Co-organizer Syed Shoaib Zaidi echoed the sentiment, noting that the shared cultural values among the South Asian diaspora in Australia help foster community bonds. “Pakistanis and Indians here visit each other’s homes, attend events together, and support one another. Poetry is just one of many ways we express this unity,” he said.
The gathering featured voices from different schools of thought, highlighting both contemporary and traditional styles of Urdu poetry. Among them was Sarbjeet Sohi, an Indian-origin Australian poet known for his revolutionary themes.
“In a world plagued by conflict, our message as poets is simple—peace,” Sohi said. “Through poetry, we hope to inspire empathy and solidarity.”
Faisal Syed, a Pakistani-origin Australian poet known for his romantic verse, spoke of Australia’s multicultural environment as an ideal setting for such events. “Australia gives us the space to live together with love and respect. Poetry becomes our common language,” he said.
The Mushaira reflected a growing trend of cultural collaboration between South Asian communities in Australia, especially through artistic expression. Organizers plan to hold more literary events in the coming months to continue fostering dialogue and mutual respect.
For more on this story and similar cultural initiatives, listen to the full SBS Urdu podcast.
