Poet Hali instilled patriotism through his writings: Ansari

Chandigarh, Nov 23: Remembering the eminent poet and social reformer Khwaja Altaf Hussain Hali Panipati, Vice President Hamid Ansari said Hali had made efforts to instil a feeling of nationalism in the people through his writings.

Ansari Saturday praised the far-sightedness and the writings of Hali while addressing the gathering on the occasion of a two-day Hali Mela (Nov 22-23) which was organised by Hali Trust at Panipat town in Haryana, some 150 km from here.

Ansari said: "Hali was born in 1837 during the troubled British rule. He left an indelible imprint on the minds of people. Unlike others, he understood the circumstances prevailing in the society and even advocated the need to educate girls around 125 years ago."

"People were very impressed and motivated by his writings. He infused the feeling of patriotism among the masses through his creative poems and gazals (Urdu poetry set to music)," Ansari said.

Ansari also released three books related to Hali, "Altaf Hussain Hali - Srijan aur Chintan", "Dastane Hali" and "Chuninda Nazme Aur Gazalein".

He also released a 2009 Hali calender and launched a website www.halipanipati.com prepared by the Hali Trust.

--IANS