ISLAMABAD (INP): A three-day literature festival (carnival) began here on Friday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), with participation of eminent literary figures from all over the country.
It was formally inaugurated by the renowned writers Dr. Atta-Ul-Haq Qasmi and Prof. Fateha Muhammad Malik, Variety of literary activities were arranged on the occasion, including a literary (Adabi) conference and a ‘Mushaira’
Vice Chancellor of AIOU Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui announced that the festival’s activities will focus on promotion of literature and language for the positive growth of the society that could also be helpful in improving the living-conditions of the people.
A number of stalls comprising books, literary material and food and fun-related items were arranged on the occasion to give a festival look to the event. The event was the part of series of socio-literary and academic activities, being arranged by the University on a regular basis on the initiative of the incumbent Vice Chancellor.
While addressing the first-session of conference, eminent writers and columnists including Dr. Jaffar Ahmed, Khurshid Nadeem, Mansoor Afaq, Zahida Hina underlined the vital role of literature in re-construction of the society. Deliberating upon on the topic, they called for linking the academic research with socio-economic issues of the society.
Dr. Attaul Haq Qasmi and Dr. Fateha Muhammad Malik also addressed the session, underlying the importance of literature in the development of a healthy and prosperous society. They called for adhering to the thoughts of Muslim Philosopher Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and other spiritual poets to achieve this cherished objective.
The second session of conference deliberated upon the topic of literature, journalism and politics. It was addressed by prominent columnists Hamid Mir, Rauf Klasra, Wajahat Masood and Wajahat Mansori.
They spoke about the importance of literature and the role of media in the national politics and the society’s reconstruction. They congratulated the Vice Chancellor and his team for holding a colorful and attractive event for serving the interest of students and their Faculty members.
In his welcome address, Dr. Shahid Siddiqui highlighted the objective of literature carnival, stating it was an attempt to encourage young scholars/writers to share their literary efforts with the students and amateur writers to enhance their creative capabilities.
He said the impact of the literature in society’s overall development has always been too high. They, he added, arranged the event to identify, recognize and celebrate the literary contribution of their national heroes.
About the powerful role of literature, he said imperialist forces had been using it as an instrument to influence of mind of the people and to perpetuate their hegemony and authoritarian rule.
He also highlighted the University’s efforts promoting research culture in the country. He told the participants that seventeen research journals were published and thirty-two national and intentional conferences were arranged during the last three and half years to create and disseminate knowledge.
During the festival, literary like book launches, books’ review, poetry recitation, and readings prose were arranged. The event was aimed at providing an opportunity to students and researchers to showcase their skill-based and community-related projects.
Dean Social Sciences Dr. Samina Awan thanked the participants for the active participation in the event that she hoped will contribute to the knowledge and positive role in the society’s overall development.