Speakers term literature a weapon to curb menace of terrorism

SUKKUR: The two-day International Conference on “Literature, Society and Reconstruction: Past, Present and Future” began on Wednesday, which was organised by the Department of Urdu, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, in partnership with the Higher Education Commission.
Dr Parveen Shah, Vice Chancellor, presided over the conference. Justice (retd) Syed Ali Aslam Jafferi was the chief guest and Dr Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Member, Higher Education Commission on HRD, was invited as the guest of honour.
“Literature is the source of inspiration and a weapon to curb the menace of terrorism, militancy and extremism. “The world literature has promoted the essence of tranquillity and harmony in the society. It has provided a constructive platform to spread the message of peace and unity,” Dr Parveen Shah said.
“I am optimistic this conference will have a far-reaching impact on the Pakistani society. Language and literature go side by side and help us to establish mutual respect in the region. Through literature we converse the great writers and poets of the world such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, William Shakespeare and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. I extend congratulations to the Department of Urdu for organising such a wonderful and impressive international moot. The contribution of HEC is commendable.”
Justice (retd) Syed Ali Aslam Jafferi said: “This conference will have meaningful results and will promote human dignity. Khairpur has remained a hub of literary activities. “This city is popular not only in cultural activities but also in literary gatherings. In the past, Mir Ali Nawaz Naz wrote Diwan-e-Naz and the contribution of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast in Urdu poetry is also preserved in the pages of history. On February 2, 1952 the first All Pakistan Urdu Conference was held in Khairpur in which two sessions were arranged.”
Dr Ghulam Raza Bhatti said: “Literature is the agent of change. Humans have shaped the civilization. The term Jihad is misused. Literature is the only source which can inspire millions of people and guide them towards a better future.”
Dr Hens Warner from Sweden presented his keynote speech on “Literature at the Margins: Underprivileged Groups and their Literature in South Asia”.“Literature has strengthened the weak societies. It has promoted the cultural identities. Moreover, it has given unique identity to the disadvantaged community,” he said.
Dr Satya Pal Anand delivered his keynote speech on the importance of literature. He said: “The world is now considered a global home. At present in Europe more than 13 languages are spoken. Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu and others languages are rich in Sufi literature. During the Vietnam War, more than 40,000 US soldiers were killed.“In protest, the Vietnamese came out, staged protest demonstrations against the US invasion. This was the beginning of protest literature.”