Wikipedia

Syed Salahuddin (businessman)

Syed Salahuddin is an Indian expatriate and businessman based in the United Arab Emirates. He is best known as the founder and chief organizer of the annual Indian Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira held in Dubai since 2003. The event brings together leading poets from India and abroad to celebrate Urdu and Hindi literature as part of the Indian Republic Day festivities.[1][2]

Syed Salahuddin
Born
Kichhauchha Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, India
NationalityIndian
Occupation(s)Cultural organizer, businessman
Known forFounder of Indian Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira (Dubai)

Early life and background

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Salahuddin was born in Kichhauchha Sharif, Ambedkar Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India. His family is associated with the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Sultan Syed Ashraf Jahangir Samnani, a well-known Sufi saint.

His grandfather, Al-Haaj Syed Rafiuddin, was a freedom fighter who participated in the Indian independence movement.[3] Salahuddin's father, Dr. Syed Tajuddin, was a physician and social worker who was also active in literary and historical initiatives.

Career in the UAE

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Salahuddin moved to Dubai for employment and worked in a commercial organization where he held senior positions. After several years in corporate roles, he established his own business in Ajman.[4]

Indian Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira (Dubai)

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In 2003, Salahuddin initiated the first Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira in Dubai. The event was inspired by the annual Mushaira held at the Red Fort in Delhi on the eve of Republic Day. Initially, the idea was met with hesitation, but Salahuddin successfully convinced the then Indian Ambassador to the UAE, K.C. Singh, of its feasibility.[5]

The inaugural event in 2003 featured prominent poets and received widespread appreciation. Over the years, the Mushaira has hosted some of the most celebrated Hindi and Urdu poets, including Dr. Uday Pratap Singh, Padma Shri Bekal Utsahi, Gulzar Dehlvi, Dr. Santosh Anand, Ajmal Sultanpuri, Dr. Som Thakur, Dr. Rahat Indori, Lata Haya, Meraj Faizabadi, Munawwar Rana, Dr. Kunwar Baichain, Manzar Bhopali, Santosh Anand, and Wasim Barelvi.

The event has since become a significant part of Dubai’s cultural calendar and is often associated with the Dubai Shopping Festival. It attracts a large Indian diaspora audience and has been covered by major media outlets in the Gulf region.[6]

Contributions to literature and culture

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Through his initiatives, Salahuddin has created a platform for promoting Urdu and Hindi literature outside India. The Mushaira provides opportunities for established poets and emerging literary figures to connect with audiences in the Middle East. The programme includes a commemorative magazine published annually highlighting the importance of Republic Day and Indian literary heritage.

Notable guests and messages

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Since its inception in 2003, the Kavi Sammelan & Mushaira has hosted guests including ambassadors, consul generals, justices, union ministers, senior bureaucrats, social activists, journalists, influencers, Bollywood film stars, and acclaimed artists.[citation needed] Additionally, the event has consistently showcased a remarkable lineup of Hindi and Urdu poets from around the world, whose artistry elevates the experience year after year.

Over the years, notable attendees have included Pramod Tiwari (Deputy Leader, Rajya Sabha), Jagdambika Pal (Member of Parliament), Nirmal Khatri (Former Member of Parliament), Hemant Tiwari (President, Uttar Pradesh Press Association), Shriprakash Jaiswal, and Rajesh Raine (Director, News18). The event has also received messages of support from Indian political leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav (Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh), Brajesh Pathak (Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh), Digvijaya Singh, and Dr. Karan Singh.[7]

Awards and recognition

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Salahuddin has received several honors for his cultural initiatives, including:

  • 2003 – Honored at a special event organized by the Hindi Adab Urdu History Committee, Barabanki, India.
  • 2004 – Received the Ameer Khusro Award by the Ameer Khusro Foundation, Gunj Dundwara, India.
  • 2004 – Presented with a letter of gratitude at a special programme organized by the Urdu Society, Basti, India.
  • 2004 – Honored with a shawl of gratitude from a veteran antiques artist and founder of Ghazalmanch, Punjab, sent through Sardar Panchhi in recognition of his contributions.
  • 2005 – Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Samman by Bhartiya Rashtriya Ekta Parisad, Varanasi, India.
  • 2007 – Felicitated at a special programme titled Ek Shaam Syed Salahuddin Ke Naam in Lucknow, presided over by the Principal Secretary to the Honorable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Girish Bihari Saxena (Ex-DGP of Uttar Pradesh) as Chief Guest.
  • 2007 – Received the Awadh Ratna Award, presented by Shri Pramod Tiwari (CLP Leader), India.
  • 2007 – Presented with a letter of gratitude by the Khumar Barabankvi Foundation, Barabanki, India.
  • 2008 – Presented with a memento by Shri Pramod Tiwari (CLP Leader) in the presence of H.E. Talmeez Ahmed, Ambassador of India to the UAE.
  • 2008 – Honored at a welcome reception and press conference organized by Shri Pramod Tiwari (CLP Leader) in Lucknow, India.
  • 2008 – Honored at Ek Shaam Syed Salahuddin Ke Naam, organized by Abhyuday Samiti, where Shri Abdul Rasheed Shaheen (Member of Parliament) presented a shawl and letter of gratitude, and Shri Mani Shankar (State Minister) presented a memento, Delhi, India.
  • 2009 – Presented with a letter of gratitude at a special programme organized by the Indian Social Centre, Al-Ain, UAE.
  • 2009 – Received the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award in Varanasi, India, in the presence of Virender Singh (Ex-Minister), Abdul Samad Ansari (MLA), and Dr. Rajesh Mishra (Ex-MP).
  • 2011 – Awarded a memento by Shri Prakash Jaiswal (Minister of Coal) in the presence of H.E. M.K. Lokesh (Ambassador of India to UAE) and H.E. Sanjay Verma (Consul General of India to UAE).
  • 2012 – Honored with a memento by the Urdu and Hindi loving community of Jeddah, in the presence of Omer Salim Al Adrus and Farook Sheikh, Dubai.
  • 2015 – Presented with a memento by Shri Pramod Tiwari (Member of Parliament) in the presence of H.E. Anurag Bhushan (Consul General of India to UAE) and Prof. Waseem Barelvi, Dubai, UAE.
  • 2022 – Honored with a memento at an event organized by Payam Foundation, Ambedkar Nagar, India.
  • 2022 – Celebrated at Jashn-e-Syed Salahuddin, an event recognizing his contributions to the community, Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
  • 2022 – Honored with a memento by Nusrat Mehndi (Director, Urdu Academy) at an event organized by Madhya Pradesh Urdu Academy, Bhopal, India.
  • 2022 – Invited as Chief Guest at Dastaan Hijraton Ki, organized by Mukhativ Foundation, Lucknow, India.
  • 2024 – Received the Qumi Ekta Award by Galib Academy at Ek Shaam Syed Salahuddin Ke Naam, presented in the presence of Mr. Shehper Rasool (Vice Chairman, Urdu Academy Delhi) and Mr. Irshad Aziz (General Secretary, Aziz Azad Literary Society, Bikaner).
  • 2024 – Awarded the Cultural Ambassador of India in UAE Award at the India-UAE Economic Partnership event, organized by the Corporate Council for Leadership & Awareness (CCLA) and the Incredible India Foundation, presented in the presence of Hon. Cabinet Minister of Uttar Pradesh & Former Governor of Uttarakhand Mrs. Baby Rani Maurya and Mr. Puran Dawar (General Secretary).
  • 2024 – Received the Sir Syed Ahmed Khan Award by the Kalam Kar Parishad at the Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira, in the presence of Mr. Kaifuwara (Ex-Chairman, Urdu Academy Uttar Pradesh) and Dr. Wajahat Kareem (Chief Guest).

Legacy

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The Indian Republic Day Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira (Dubai) is now regarded as one of the most important Indian cultural events in the Gulf. It serves as a platform for literary exchange and promotes India's pluralistic traditions. The annual event continues to draw thousands of attendees and widespread media coverage.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira to be held in Dubai for Indian Republic Day". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  2. ^ "Mushaira on Feb 23". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  3. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  4. ^ https://thebrew.ae/20th-indian-republic-day-kavi-sammelan-mushaira-will-celebrate-indian-republic-day-with-the-bliss-of-culture/
  5. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  6. ^ Haziq, Saman; Times, Khaleej. "Indian culture shines on Dubai poetry night". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  7. ^ "Mushaira on Feb 23". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
  8. ^ "Poetry get-together on Jan 26. - Free Online Library". www.thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 2025-08-20.
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