Naushad Akhtar/Patna

Khursheed Ahmad has been playing a key role in rekindling Bihar’s cultural spirit, transforming Patna into a vibrant hub of literary and artistic activities.

Khursheed has revived Bihar’s cultural soul. Through his efforts, traditional art forms like qawwali, poetry, literature, and Sufi music have been brought back to the forefront of public life.

His initiatives have infused these timeless expressions with renewed energy and contemporary relevance.

Khursheed Ahmad at a literary fuinction in Patna

Whenever a major literary gathering, mushaira (poetry symposium), or cultural event takes place in Patna, Khursheed’s influence is unmistakable.

As the founder and secretary of the Patna Literary Festival (PLF)—now counted among India’s leading literary platforms—he has established a cultural landmark in Bihar.

Bihar is not just the land of political revolutions, archaeological marvels, or historical movements. It is a soil enriched with centuries of poetry, Sufism, refined etiquette (tehzeeb), and literary legacy.

The region has given spiritual and historical figures like Buddha, Kabir, Guru Gobind Singh, and Sher Shah Suri. Yet, in an era dominated by digital distractions, this rich cultural inheritance often risks being forgotten.

Khursheed Ahmad being felicitated in Dubai

Khursheed Ahmad has taken it upon himself to preserve and promote this legacy. He is also the Managing Director of Advantage Group, a premier event management and PR agency serving Bihar and Jharkhand.

Combining professional discipline with an artistic sensibility, Khursheed transforms his events into deeply moving cultural experiences. For him, these are not just performances—they are emotional and spiritual journeys.

His visionary work has even earned international recognition. At the prestigious Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai, he was recently honored at the celebrated mushaira Andaz-e-Bayan Aur, alongside 14 of the world’s top poets.

The award was presented by Dubai-based philanthropist Sheikh Suhail Mohammed Zarooni, who described Khursheed’s contributions not merely as event management, but as a cultural movement that began in Bihar and reached across continents.

This recognition was fueled by the immense success of his literary initiatives in Patna. Notably, he organized one of India’s first ticketed mushairas via BookMyShow—a groundbreaking move.

Khursheed Ahmad at Patna Literary Festival

There were thousands of attendees to the event, while over 35 million people viewed it online. Khursheed’s opening address reflected the magnetic pull of both his message and personality.

Khursheed Ahmad’s approach transcends traditional event planning. He has reimagined poetry as a form of public dialogue.

Under the PLF banner, he launched an interactive poetry series titled "Rubaroo", which featured renowned poets such as Manoj Muntashir, A.M. Turaz, Alok Srivastava, Shabina Adeeb, and Azm Shakri.

These sessions went beyond recitations, evolving into dynamic conversations between verse, thought, and the audience.

Khursheed’s events are a blend of grandeur and emotional depth. A standout example was the mushaira held on August 13 at Hotel Royal Bihar in Patna.

Over 600 guests attended from places like Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Jharkhand. The eight-hour celebration of poetry and culture was so remarkable that attendees dubbed it “Bihar’s Jashn-e-Rekhta.”

Khursheed Ahmad

Khursheed lives by the belief that “Work should be done as if it’s worship.” This ethos is reflected in every detail of his events—from logistics to invitations, each element is planned with almost sacred precision.

A recent milestone was the Sufi music evening held on April 13, 2025, at Bankipur Club, Patna, dedicated to the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The event featured the Rehmat Nusrat Group from Dehradun, known for performing internationally in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere. Led by Sarvjeet Tamta, whose voice is considered a “blessing from Goddess Saraswati,” the evening offered a deeply moving and spiritual experience.

The event was attended by distinguished people. The grace of the music, the refinement of the audience, and the flawless execution all contributed to strengthening Bihar’s cultural roots.

According to Dr. Satyajit Singh, President of PLF, “Sufi music and poetry elevate the soul. This is the same cultural inheritance that has long emerged from Patna’s soil. Thanks to passionate individuals like Khursheed Ahmad, the Patna Literary Festival has now gained international stature.”

To date, PLF has hosted over 15 successful editions, focusing not just on poetry but on intellectual exchange, critical thinking, and community engagement. It has become a crucible for cultural enrichment and public discourse.

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Khursheed Ahmad’s journey is inspiring. He exemplifies how passion aligned with purpose can become a powerful force for societal transformation. His vision, organizational acumen, and love for literature have helped redefine Bihar’s image on the national and international stage.