Poetry is one of the most effective ways of conveying one’s message across in a powerful manner. Urdu language, its literature, and poetry is centuries old. It is one of the rich and sweet languages spoken in the Indian sub-continent. Urdu poetry is very famous, cherished, and much-admired treasures of the Urdu language. Within Urdu poetry Resai poetry (poetry of lament) is one of the important branches of Urdu poetry. Resai poetry is also as old as the language itself is. All time great poets like Mir Anis and Mirza Dabir have depicted historical events in such an elegant and effective manner that even today after many centuries their poetry of lament is read and admired the world over.

The objectives of organizing this conference are many fold. First and foremost is to create awareness and promote this form of Urdu literature and poetry in this part of the world, especially among the South-Asian community. Secondly, to introduce to the youth this form of the literature which will serve the dual purpose of getting to know Urdu literature and understand the historical perspective of events like Karbala that have been depicted in this genre. Thirdly, to provide a forum that will help in bringing together different sects of the Muslim community as well as other South Asian communities. Fourthly, to provide an opportunity to the youth to take part in social/cultural activities that will relate them to their origin and values.

Many other visible minorities such as Iranians or Punjabi Sikh communities have managed to pass on their native languages to their youth. We feel that our community does not pay enough attention to teach our language, culture, and literature to their children. With such endeavours we hope to motivate youth not to shy away from learning Urdu but to embrace it. This conference would be a part of a series of events in the future that will unfold different aspects of Urdu language and literature. For instance we plan to organize conferences on various other aspects of Urdu Language and literature (e.g. romantic poetry), and events like youth Urdu Mushaera, Naat/Manqabat/Noha competition, screening of classical Urdu plays, etc. The idea is to raise awareness among the youth that Urdu language and literature is as rich and powerful as any other contemporary literature of the world for example, English, French or Spanish.