The 11th Hyderabad Literature Festival kicked off on Sunday at Global Palace with a vibrant opening ceremony. Sindh Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, and Archives Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah formally inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon. The festival opened with a colorful cultural performance by a local cultural group. Renowned singer Anu Solangi enthralled the audience by reciting Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's wai in her melodious voice. The ancient musical instrument Bhurindo, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, was beautifully tuned by Malhar Junejo. Several other segments also featured during the opening day, including the launch of eight books and engaging literary discussions.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said that Sindh is the land of saints with a 50,000-year-old civilization and that all saints have spread the message of peace. He emphasized that similar literary and cultural events should be organized in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which are under the shadow of terrorism. He described the Hyderabad Literature Festival as a remarkable event where eminent intellectuals share thought-provoking ideas with the audience.
In his welcome address, festival organizer Izhar Soomro said that this year's festival is being celebrated under the theme "Beauty in Diversity." He added that the event features colorful segments, including the launch of eight books and the conferring of six lifetime achievement awards. He further announced that an exclusive launch of Farhatullah Babar's book would be held on the second day of the festival.
Lifetime achievement awards were presented to six distinguished personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions, including broadcaster Naseer Mirza, actress Sakina Samon, singer Humera Channa, actress Samina Ahmed, and journalist Wusat Ullah Khan.
The event opened with a thorough discussion on the role of linguistic diversity and cultural diversity in the development of society. Professor Inam Sheikh said that culture and languages were above all barriers, adding that people across Sindh fondly studied Punjabi literature, including the poetry of Sultan Bahu, Baba Buleh Shah, Waris Shah, and others, adding that literature always leaves an impact on people's lives and plays a vital role in the development of a society.
Mudasir Bashir said that Sheikh Ayaz and Ustad Bukhari should also be made part of the school syllabus in Punjab.
In another panel discussion on the challenge to journalism, seasoned journalist Mazhar Abbas said that Pakistan had a controlled media since independence, except during the regime of Junejo, where journalism was relatively independent. "In Pakistan, people do not know the real meaning of journalism; disinformation and misinformation" claimed Abbas, adding that print media would never face a downfall.
Another noted journalist, Ayesha Khan, said that in the race of likes, shares, and subscribers, young YouTubers were suppressing the real essence of journalism.
Later, a multi-lingual poetry symposium was convened, featuring poets from Sindh, Saraiki, Urdu, Punjabi, and other local and regional languages reading out verses of their latest poems and garnering appreciation from the crowd.
The two-day event, which started on Sunday afternoon and culminated on Monday night, featured thrilling music performances by Ahmed Jahanzaib, Humaira Channa, Faheem Ali, and Zamin Ali, among others. Afsheen Memon gave a fascinating dance performance, followed by the Folktale stage play Umer Marvi and other cultural performances.