The organisers of an Oxford literary group have asked people to join them in celebrating the international language of poetry.

Committee members of Anjuman-e Adab Oxford — Urdu for Oxford Literary Society — said they aimed to make the group selfsufficient using funds from new members.

They believe that attracting new people to the society will allow them to operate without the need for grants, while also helping to promote an inter-faith community spirit in the city.

Dr Hussein Mirza, spokesman for the group, said: “The group is about learning about the poetry but more about getting people together as a community.

“The recitals are very jovial and cheerful and there is clapping.”

Anjuman-e Adab Oxford was formed in 2005 to “foster the spirit of fraternity, harmony, and social integration among different communities”.

The group puts on three recitals of poetry and music each year at its base in the Asian Cultural Centre in Manzil Way, East Oxford.

Each previous recital has had an emphasis on poetry written in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi as well as traditional English verse.

Dr Mirza said: “People can really relax and enjoy themselves instead of going to the cinema or theatre.

“They get a different perspective — they see things much more widely rather than in a narrow way.”

He said there were currently 50 members of the society, who each pay £10 per year to belong to the group.

The society was given a £700 grant by Oxford City Council last year, but Dr Mirza said he hoped attracting additional members would allow the group to fund itself and eventually become a charity.

Society member Jawaid Malik said: “There are lots of people who are looking for such a resource where they can talk and speak with other people with similar interests.

“It is very fulfilling if you are interested in literature.”

Mr Malik said the majority of members are Muslim, but there were also Hindus, Christians and Sikhs in the group.

He added: “If we had another 50 members we’d be happy.”

To find out more about Anjuman-e Adab Oxford, call 01865 744787 or 01865 511745.

ghamilton@oxfordmail.co.uk