Speakers call for linking academic research with socio-economic issues

Obaid Abrar Khan

Islamabad

A three-day literature festival began at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) here on Friday 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. Varieties of literary activities were arranged on the occasion, including a literary conference and a ‘Mushaira’.

AIOU Vice Chancellor 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 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.