A large number of students of different schools and colleges of metropolis and people from different walks of life including celebrities participated in the walk. The event was planned to highlight the significance of all weather Pak-China friendship which has stood all tests of time. The year 2011 has been dedicated as the year of friendship between the two countries.

Kaleem Khan, Vice Chairman Pak-China Foundation who was also the chief organizer of the event had requested the public to participate overwhelmingly in the event to show their love and solidarity with China.

Courtesy: Geo

Ghalib was such a complex person, according to critic and poet Dr M Shamim Hanifi, who presided over the session. “He lived in difficult times,” he said. “Internal conspiracies were being hatched and there were killings everywhere. Yet the scope of his poetry is so vast that his work was translated almost in every major language.”

He said that Ghalib was modernistic to a certain extent. “He was the first from his time to transcend generations,” he said. “Some of his couplets are even about western inventions.”

According to the scholar, it was Ghalib’s curiosity about life that let him absorb the minute details of people’s behaviour.  “At the same time, he was a bohemian who reflected on himself to find the answers.” He can be called the first futuristic poet of his time without any doubt, he added.

Dr Zafar Iqbal of Karachi University talked about the poet’s letters which had a lasting impact on Urdu prose. “I think every poet has his own personality. External factors like the situation of the country influence the style to an extent.” Ghalib, he said, had a God-gifted uniqueness.

Qazi Afzaal Hussain of India’s Aligarh University said that Ghalib changed the way poetry was written singlehandedly. “It was his creativity alone that altered literature.” His expression was so powerful that it set trends in Urdu literature, he added.

Khalil Tokar, the head of the Urdu department at Istanbul University, regretted that Pakistanis give precedence to English over Urdu. “People here are habitual about considering their own language secondary,” he said, adding, “They think knowing English will open all the doors. But according to some estimates at least a billion people speak or understand Urdu.”

He shared an interesting Turkish fable. A mouse smells cheese inside his hole. When he thinks of going outside, he hears a cat meow and stays inside. This keeps on happening for a few days. After some time he hears a dog bark. Thinking that the dog must have scared the cat away he comes outside to eat the cheese. The cat catches the mouse, and tells its child, “See, the benefit of knowing a foreign language?”

Tokar said that the British too, learned the native languages and then established their colonies. “Some of you must be wondering why I love Urdu,” he said.  “Ghalib was Turkish. So Urdu is like my own language.”

Dr Alia Imam, a renowned writer, said that Ghalib’s poetry preaches peace and harmony. “It shuns repressiveness and supports non-violence and democracy.” She also criticised those who belittled Urdu and didn’t give it worth except for a few poems and letters. “Like all great languages, Urdu made sacrifices to reach its present stage,” said Imam.

Courtesy: Tribune

The moot commenced with a panel discussion on the poetry of a renowned Urdu poet Meer Taqi Meer. The session entitled ‘Sare Zamany Meer Kay.’ was conducted by famous literary figures, including Dr Aslam Furkhi, Dr Jameel Jalabi, Zehra Nigah and Dr Gopichand Narang. On the occasion, Zehra Nigah recited the poetry of Meer and some others discussed the impacts of Meer’s poetry on contemporary Urdu form of Ghazal.

The session was held to discuss the Urdu fiction in 21st history in which distinguished speakers talked about various aspects of contemporary and past era of Urdu fiction writing. The third session was ‘Bazm-e-Yousfi’ in which Mushtaq Ahmed Yousfi expressed his views and shed light on the Urdu literature.

On the day, three books: ‘Marvi and Margena,’ a novel by Najam-ul-Hassan Rizvi; ‘Dil Kharashi,’ a poetry collection by renowned poet Liaqat Ali Aasam and another poetry collection entitled ‘Badalty Rang’ by guest poet from India Obaid Siddiqui were discussed.

The second day ended with an international Mushaira in which senior local and guest poets, particularly from India, presented their poetry.

While talking to Daily Times, ACP Karachi president Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that the council had the honour to hold the 4th International Urdu Conference and music festival.

He said that with the commitment and prolonged efforts of ACP members along with the support of electronic and print media, the council was now known as the centre of civilisation, culture and literature.

He was of the view that the event, particularly music festival, would laid foundation of a new era in the history of Urdu literature.

Courtesy: Dailytimes

The student-run welfare organisation, Serve Our Civil Hospital (SOCH), arranged the event at the pediatric wards I and II of the hospital to celebrate Children’s Day. It began at 10am and ended at around 1pm. Children between the ages of three and 12, some of whom had their parents with them, were kept entertained by activities such as face painting, colouring and singing.

Ansa, an eight-year-old girl who had been admitted to the ward because of a stroke, was all smiles. “I enjoyed the magician’s show a lot. The trick in which he pushed a coin through the sealed bottom of an empty bottle was my favourite,” she said.

This particular trick won the magician a great deal of applause as many children were left wondering how he managed the feat. At one point during the event, the Balochi song ‘Washmalay’ was played and the children started dancing enthusiastically to the beat.

Some of the children, such as twelve-year-old Misbah Khan, chose to enjoy the show from the sidelines. “I really enjoyed all the fun and frolic, but I didn’t feel like singing or getting my face painted,” she said. Misbah was admitted to the hospital for malaria. She added that though her treatment is almost complete and will be home soon, she believes that it will be a good idea to have such activities once a month in order to raise the spirits of the young patients.

As a part of their effort to improve the standards of hygiene and service at the Civil Hospital, SOCH put new sheets on all the beds of the two wards.

They also checked all the electrical connections, repaired broken air-conditioners and installed new energy savers.

The group also distributed ‘sehat kits’ to all patients. Each kit included a toothbrush, a nail-cutter, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and tissues. After these had been distributed, some volunteers demonstrated proper hand-washing techniques to those present.

Courtesy: Tribune

Courtesy: Dailytimes

The exhibition has been organised for last three years as a part of a programme to promote the Indonesian products, besides enhancing bilateral economic and cultural ties between the two countries. This year, along with traditional and usual activities, the consulate focused on cultural performances to gain the attention of visiting families and figures, from corporate sector.

As per organisers, the exhibition was aimed at providing the business community of both sides with an opportunity to explore the new markets and possibilities of establishing and further enhancing bilateral economic ties so as to achieve the collective goal of prosperity and economic independency.

A large number of stalls, featuring Indonesian products, including garments, spices, handicrafts, were set-up at the exhibition. The stall of Indonesian foods remained the focus of families and children.

The organisers of the exhibition made special arrangements for cultural performances. Dance trainers were summoned from Indonesia for this purpose.

Consul General (CG) of Indonesia in Karachi, Rossalis R Adenan, while addressing the concluding ceremony, said that both countries had prolonged historic mutual relations, the need of the hour was that the fruits of such relations and cooperation should be reflected in the bilateral trades.

Adenan thanked Pakistani business community for their cooperation and keen interest to establish economic ties with their Indonesian counterparts. On the occasion he vowed to continue such type of exhibitions and to enhance multidimensional bilateral ties.

Courtesy: Dailytimes

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Qaim Ali Shah, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony, also presented awards and shields to distinguished guests.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the chief minister recalled Faiz’s era and paid tribute to him for his struggle for the sanctity of humanity.

Shah also presented special shields to the heirs of Faiz’s companions of prison and his progressive struggle. Zafarullah was the only alive friend of Faiz who received a shield.

Earlier, Sindh Culture Department had hosted a dinner in the honour of foreign delegations arrived in the metropolis to participate in the centennial celebrations of Faiz at the National Museum’s garden, here on Thursday night.

Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo, while addressing the participants said that Faiz Ahmed Faiz was one of the most famous poets, who spread the message of love, peace and harmony, besides urging people towards a revolution of social justice and equity.

She was of the view that Faiz was born in Punjab, but he was similarly popular in Sindh like Punjab. She said Sindh had arranged a larger number of programmes to pay homage to the legendry poet.

Palijo also shed light on the revolutionary sprit of Faiz’s poetry. She said that Faiz’s poetry is still alive. The minister said that Pakistan People’s Party government was committed to spread the message of Faiz’s poetry.

Talking about the ongoing development in Pakistan and India dialogue, she said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gave a positive response to the initiative, being taken by the country. She concluded her speech on welcoming the foreign participants, particularly those belonging to India.

On the occasion Sindh Culture Secretary Abdul Aziz announced that following the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari, Faiz’s poetry and prose would be translated into Sindhi language under the Faiz development scheme. He further announced that a fund with generous amount of Rs 20 million would be established for the welfare of poets and literary figures of the province.

Guests were also fascinated with traditional music, folk songs and poetry of the revolutionary poet.

Courtesy: Dailytimes

Courtesy: Dailytimes.com.pk

In this connection several media channels have also arranged a musical and cultural night in front of Karachi Press Club. All political parties, especially nationalist parties, have also organised several programmes across Sindh.

Sindh Cultural Day originated three years ago when an anchorperson of a private TV channel criticised President Asif Ali Zardari for wearing Shalwar Kameez and Sindhi Topi (cap) on his visit to Afghanistan. Ever since, Sindhi media groups have celebrated the day as ‘Sindh Cultural Day’ on Dec 4 every year.

Talking to Daily Times, a member of Sindh Media Forum (SMF) Muneer Saqi informed that the event was being celebrated earlier, on Nov 19, as contemporary date was falling in Muharram.

The people of Sindh will celebrate this day like an Eid. Men will don themselves in Sindhi Topi, Ajrak and Patko (traditional cap) while women will wear Sindhi dresses.

Meanwhile, central leader Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Zahid Shahmir has said in his statement that the PML-N Sindh appreciated the Sindh Cultural Day. He said that the PML-F Sindh would participate in the events across Sindh. PML-N Sindh has arranged several events in Sindh to celebrate the event. A rally will be held in Karachi to join the main cultural event arranged at KPC by the SMF on Nov 19.

Several social and literary organisations including Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Sindh Graduates Association and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Welfare Association have arranged several programmes and rallies for celebrating the event.

Courtesy: Dailytimes.com.pk

Caravans from across the country were reaching in a large number, despite all the security concerns and threats at his shrine to participate in the ceremonies relating to the celebration of his three-day Urs from Nov.17 to Nov.19.

The devotees including men, women and children offered Fateha and laid wreaths on the shrine. Special arrangements have been made for the ‘Langar’, while the known ‘Qawwals’ performed at the shrine paying tributes to the Abdullah Shah Ghazi.

In collaboration with Auqaf department, law enforcement agencies, have taken solid fool proof security measures. In this regard, separate parking, walkthrough gates, metal detectors, walkways and close circuit television cameras were installed. All the surroundings are being monitored at a central control room.

Police, plain clothes officials, community wardens, ladies searchers and rangers’ officials have been deployed round the clock guarding the shrine.

Courtesy: Geo.tv