Internationally acclaimed Urdu poet from the State Capital Manzar Bhopali has once again made the city proud as he has been awarded with Honorary Citizenship of louisville city of United States of America (USA). louisville Mayor Greg Fischer awarded Manzar Bhopali with the honour in a grand function on September 16 this year.
It is for the first time that a poet from India and Pakistan has been awarded with Honorary Citizenship in USA.
Mayor Fischer while presenting the symbolic keys of citizenship to Manzar Bhopali also handed over a citation that reads, “The city of louisville honours Manzar Bhopali whose contribution to the world of Urdu poetry and commitment to social justice have been acclaimed throughout the world. As a city of lifelong learning, health and compassion, louisville appreciates the power of a poet to touch people’s hearts and minds. It is our privilege to proclaim him an Honorary Citizen of louisville.”
Mayor Fischer talked to The Pioneer over telephone and shared the why louisville honoured the great poet of Bhopal.
The Pioneer: How do you feel in honouring a Urdu poet in your city that has given the greatest boxer of the world.
Mayor Fischer: Muhammad Ali is a beloved son of our city. like Manzar, Ali warms our hearts with his words and deeds of compassion and justice.
The Pioneer: The people of Bhopal and India feel honoured that you are awarding honorarium to the great son of our city and country Manzar Bhopali in the city that is also known as city of compassion. What message would you like to give us on this occasionIJ
Mayor Fischer: Please sign the charter for compassion http://charterforcompassion.org/the-charter and develop a ten year compassion plan for your city. Your city will be filled with more joy, growth in human potential, and reminder that we are all connected.
The Pioneer: What do you think about Dalai lama and his mission and could he play any role in world peace, especially in curbing the growing hatred against Muslims in the worldIJ
Mayor Fischer: The Dalai lama visited our city last year and encouraged our journey of compassion. He reminded us “That to be happy, be compassionate. To make others happy, be compassionate.” These practices are a simple recipe for a more peaceful world. I do not see growing hatred against Muslims. I see rejection of extremists that use religion for ignoble purposes.
The Pioneer: Have you heard Manzar Bhopali’s poetry and how impressed are you with his wordsIJ
Mayor Fischer: Manzar speaks a universal language of love and justice. We need more secular leaders like him inspiring others to make our communities and world a better place through individual and collective action.