AIOU Literature Carnival held at Islamabad
By.Asghar Ali Mubarak
Islamabad-The First-ever two days AIOU literature carnival conclude at Islamabad. Prof. Fateh Muhmmad Malik, Mujahid Mansoori,Suhail Waraich,Yasir Pirzada,Rauf Kalasra and Khurshid Ahmed Nadeem, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui ,V.C .Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) delivered their lectures on the topic ’’ Literature and journalism- صحافت و ادب ‘’to highlight the significant role of literature (Adab) in developing journalism. The event was unique in nature, since it was the first time that an ‘Adabee Mela’ literature carnival 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 , Jabbar Mirza and Asghar Ali Mubarak. 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.Mr.Shakil Adilzada who has been editor Subrang Digest was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof. Fateh Muhmmad Malik, Mujahid Mansoori,Suhail Waraich,Yasir Pirzada,Rauf Kalasra , Khurshid Ahmed Nadeem Hamid Mir and Dr. Nasir Abbas Nayyar were the key-note speakers, who spoke on the importance of literature in modern journalism , media and 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. During the question answer session Asghar Ali Mubarak a senior journalist and president tutors forum of Pakistan congratulated the Vice Chancellor and his team for holding AIOU Literature Carnival for serving the interest of journalists, students and Faculty members. Asghar Ali Mubarak suggest that a county wide debate and essay writing competition arranged for the universt students on the topic ’’ Literature and journalism- صحافت و ادب ‘’ to highlights’ the impotence of ’’ Literature in journalism.In his welcome address, Dr. Shahid Siddiqui highlighted the objective of literature carnival, stating 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.He stated that 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.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. At This Occasion Regional Director Rawalpindi Dr,Touqeer Ahmed Khan and other renowned educationist also delivered theirs lectures.
