Event Report: Bait-Baazi – Pages & Verses Initiative by SDC Date: 5th November 2024 Time: 3:00 P.M. Venue: Café Nostalgia
The Siddons Debating Club (SDC), through its Pages & Verses initiative, organized an inspiring Bait-Baazi event that brought together poetry lovers and students to celebrate the beauty of Urdu couplets. Originally planned for ten teams, the overwhelming response led to the inclusion of two additional teams, making a total of 12 teams that competed. Held at Café Nostalgia, the event was filled with enthusiastic participants and an appreciative audience, all connected by their passion for Urdu poetry.
Highlights of the Event:
- Opening Remarks: The event started with a welcome address by the SDC team, introducing Pages & Verses as a platform for fostering literary appreciation. A brief history and purpose of Bait-Baazi were shared, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
- Judges and Their Insights: The judging panel consisted of:
- Dr. Mamoon Rasheed – Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu
- Yasir Ali Khan – Research Scholar
- Imran Khan – Research Scholar
- Dr. Mamoon Rasheed provided insightful commentary, encouraging participants to think beyond traditional interpretations and explore deeper meanings in poetry. He also discussed Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood), emphasizing its relevance and inspiring participants to embrace self-awareness and inner strength.
- Competitive Rounds: The competition was intense yet friendly, with each team displaying their poetic prowess. The participants showcased not only well-known couplets but also unique verses that highlighted the richness of Urdu literature. The skillful selection of couplets and the participants’ eloquence kept the audience engaged throughout.
- Audience Interaction: The audience was highly engaged, often breaking into applause for particularly impactful couplets. The event created a warm and collaborative environment, with the audience, participants, and judges united by their love for poetry.
- Awards and Certificates: All participants received certificates to acknowledge their enthusiasm and dedication. Special prizes were awarded to the top three teams for their outstanding performance, with the winning team earning a standing ovation.
Testimony from a Participant:
One participant shared their heartfelt appreciation, stating, “Bhai, I eagerly wanted to applaud Pages & Verses (an initiative of SDC) for organizing today’s Bait-Baazi competition so wonderfully. We not only enjoyed but learned more and more (glory belongs to Allah). Hoping to participate again, in sha Allah!”
Closing Remarks:
The event concluded with closing remarks from the SDC organizers, who expressed gratitude for the participants’ and audience’s enthusiastic support. The event left a lasting impression on attendees, who expressed a strong desire for more such gatherings in the future.
Conclusion:
Bait-Baazi was a successful and memorable event that highlighted the enduring appeal of Urdu poetry and the importance of cultural preservation. The Siddons Debating Club’s Pages & Verses initiative continues to create meaningful platforms for students to explore and celebrate literary art. This event not only provided entertainment but also inspired reflection on the teachings of Iqbal and the timeless values conveyed through Urdu poetry.
