Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of Newzealand (UHCANZ) organized the launching ceremony of Undroone shimal ka tung raasta, an Urdu translation of Oku No Hoso michi (The narrow road to deep north), The world famous travelogue of greatest Japanese poet of Haiku Matsu o Basho.
The ceremony was presided by Honurable Kanwal Jeet Singh Bakhshi Member parliment of NewZealand. Mr.Nafees Akhtar the Presedent of UHCANZ opened the first session with the introduction of Prof.Mohammad Rais Alvi. He paid tribute to his tremendous work of this translation from Japanese to Urdu which is the first ever translation in any south Asian language. Syed Mujeeb the secretary General of association discussed the importance of the translation of Japanese classics into Urdu language. He also praised the hard and difficult job of translation done by Prof.Rais Alvi.
MS.Priyanca Radha krishanan (Listed Member of Parliament),DR.Parmjeet Pramar, Christopher pen spoke on the promotion of language and culture of the immigrants. They appreciated the massive work of translation of Prof. Rais Alvi and expressed their support and unity with UHCANZ.
The author of the book Prof. M. Rais Alvi thanked the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of New Zealand and the elite presence of the writers, politicians and intellectuals of Auckland present on the occasion. He pointed out towards the common elements of the literatures and values of various languages and societies of Asia including Urdu, Hindi, Japanese and Chinese. He also spoke about the life and style of Matsu Basho and popularity of haiku as the poetry of nature. Prof. Rais Alvi disclosed that his translation of the book is also in progress to be published in Hindi.
Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi from National unfolded the book as a symbol of its launching and inauguration. As a chief guest of the event, spoke on the continuity and preservation of languages and cultures and their identity. He applauded the work of Urdu Hindi Cultural association and promised to continue his support to transfer the heritage of Indo Pak languages and culture to the next generation. Mr. Bakshi highlighted the importance of Udru translations of the Japanese classic by Prof. Rais Alvi and announced to hold its launching ceremony of Hindi version in Auckland in future.
In the end, on behalf of the association the vice president, Ms Roopa Sachdev thanked the dignitaries and the audience for making this event successful.
