Literature festival begins at AIOU

Islamabad

First-ever literature festival held here on Tuesday at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) to highlight the significant role of literature (Adab) in development of a civilized and prosperous society, says a press release.

The event was unique in nature, since it was the first time that an ‘Adabee Mela’ was arranged at the University’s level, largely attended by students, literary and social figures, besides renowned journalists, including President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt, Hamid Mir, Rauf Klasra, Saud Sehr and Jabbar Mirza. It was part of series of socio-literary and academic activities, being arranged by the University, since Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui took over as its Vice Chancellor. 

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.

Shakil Adilzada who has been editor Subrang Digest was the chief guest on the occasion. Hamid Mir and Director General Urdu Science Board Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar were the key-note speakers, who spoke on the importance of literature, Urdu Adab and role of Urdu language in putting the national identity and pride at high place in nation-building and achieving respectable place in the comity of the nations.

They congratulated the Vice Chancellor and his team for holding a colourful 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.

Literature and language could be the best tool to fight out menace of extremism and intolerance in the society. This could also help to do away with the feelings of frustration and disappointment among the young generation and giving them a good hope for the future.

The literature, he added plays an effective role in construction of society and leaving a positive impact in its development. 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 nine research journals were published and nineteen national and intentional conferences were arranged during the last two years to create and disseminate knowledge.  

During the two-day’s festival like literary sessions 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.

The primary cause of Literature Carnival is to develop AIOU as a hub of literary activities and build a soft image of the Pakistani society. The event will help to understand the cultural diversity of the Pakistani society through literature.