Sharjah hosts Urdu fest at SCRF 2025
Students from five emirates showcase eloquence in Urdu
SHARJAH: The 2025 edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) paid tribute to the timeless elegance of Urdu through the much-anticipated Urdu Fest, organised in collaboration with Bazm-e-Urdu.
Held at the Intellectual Hall, Expo Centre Sharjah, the event brought together students, poets, educators and literature enthusiasts for a day dedicated to Urdu’s cultural and literary legacy. The festival featured high-energy competitions, captivating performances, and vibrant expressions of heritage.
With participation from five leading schools across the UAE, the Inter-School Baitbaazi Championship and Taqreeri Muqabla (Debate Competition) formed the centrepiece of the celebration, combining performance, poetry, and public speaking.
Competitive spirit
The Debate Competition saw powerful speeches delivered with passion and flair. Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, secured first place, while His Highness Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School, Dubai, claimed second. Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, also bagged third place, showcasing strong oratory across its teams.
The Baitbaazi Championship, steeped in poetic tradition, drew admiration from the audience and judges alike. English Language School (Pvt.), Dubai, triumphed in first place, followed by Pamir Private School, Sharjah, and Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, taking second and third spots respectively.
Celebrating Urdu heritage
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Arsal Abbas and a delightful introduction to Bazm-e-Urdu by Afia Khan, a Grade 5 student who impressed with her confidence and clarity.
A panel of distinguished judges, including Dr. Asim Sabahat Wasti, Aijaz Shaheen, Arif Bhaldar, Kishwar, Nadeem Ahmad, Asad Haider, and Imad ul Malik, evaluated the student performances with keen attention and appreciation.
Moderating the Baitbaazi segment was acclaimed poet Syed Tabish Zaidi, who underscored the importance of the art form. “Baitbaazi is more than just a literary game – it’s an intellectual activity that enhances memory, strengthens vocabulary, and deepens our appreciation of classical Urdu poetry,” he noted.
Zaidi concluded the session with an evocative couplet by Abul Fitrat Mir Zaidi:
Dil rahe tayyar sholon se ulajhnay ke liye
Uljhanen tayyar ho jaayein sulajhnay ke liye
دل رہے تیار شعلوں سے الجھنے کے لیے
الجھنیں تیار ہو جائیں سلجھنے کے لیے
Honouring talent
Shakeel Ahmed Khan, President of Bazm-e-Urdu, expressed gratitude to the volunteer team and acknowledged the vital contributions of founder Rehan Khan, currently based in Canada, for his strategic vision and planning.
The prize distribution ceremony, hosted by the UAE’s own Tarannum Ahmed, reflected the spirit of community and encouragement. She thanked the Sharjah Book Authority for its continued support in nurturing young talent through platforms like Urdu Fest.
All student participants received certificates of appreciation, while top performers were awarded trophies.