International Conference on Faiz Kick Starts at Karachi University

Karachi, Sept 6, 2011: A three day International Conference on Faiz Ahmed Faiz was launched at the Karachi University Arts Auditorium with the aim to explore the dynamic aspects of the life and ideology of Faiz Ahmed Faiz as Pakistan marks the centennial celebrations of the subcontinent’s renowned poet. The Faiz Ahmed Faiz International Conference has been organized by the Pakistan Studies Centre, University of Karachi; the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research; and the Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. The Conference spanning three days is based on multiple events. The inaugural session at the Karachi University was presided over by Dr Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi said universities have a role in stirring debates, raising questions and then serving as intellectual platforms for serious dialogue on issues that matter to a society. The International Conference on Faiz is a similar initiative aiming to raise debate on the various aspects of Faiz’s work and ideology. Dr Siddiqi said that it’s very rare that movements draw from personalities. In Faiz’s case, Faiz breathed as much life and soul into the Progressive Movement as the movement nurtured Faiz. The most unique aspect of Faiz’s work is that that it is not caught in any given time. It is much relevant to its past, its present and has a keen eye on the future too.with Mr I.A Rehman, Secretary General Human Rights Commission of Pakistan as Chief Guest. The array of events in the next three days will see participation by Professor Seher Ansari; Dr Anwaar Ahmed, Chairperson, Muqtadra Qaumi Zaban, Pakistan; Ms Zehra Nigah; Dr Uzma Farman; Mr Shaukat Hussain; Tehreek-e-Niswan Group; Dr Ali Ahmed Fatimi; Dr Humera Ashfaq; Professor Khalid Ashraf; Dr Fatima Hassan; Mr Karamat Ali of PILER; and Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed of the Pakistan Studies Centre, among others.A delegation of literary figures, poets and performers has flown in from India to participate in the Conference. Gauhar Raza, Sohail Hashmi, Mahmood ur Rahman Farooqui, Murtaza Danish Hussain, Dr Khalid Ashraf, and Professor Ali Ahmed Fatimi, are a part of the delegation.Introducing the idea behind the international conference, Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Director Pakistan Studies Centre, said that the need to look at Faiz as a figure beyond a great poet cannot be emphasized enough as Faiz’s ideology and struggle stretched beyond traditional romanticism associated with poetry and literature. Apart from being a poet, Faiz was a journalist, editor, trade union leader, and a strong advocate for peace, progress, justice and freedom. Faiz’s steadfast commitment for workers rights, freedom of speech, and international peace is as much reflected in his writing as it is in his consistent struggle for the causes he espoused. In fact, Faiz’s relentless struggle for workers rights is an area that offers much scope for research and exploration. Dr Jaffar informed that the title of the Conference ‘Dil Purkhon Ka Hunar’ is a reflection of the various struggles that Faiz undertook as a part of his role as progressive poet and the leading light of the Progressive Movement. Four books have also been launched by the Pakistan Studies Centre on Faiz’s life and work. These books are titled: ‘Faiz Key Aas Paas’ by Professor Seher Ansari; ‘Faiz Shanasi’ by Abdul Rauf Malik; ‘Umeed-e-Seher Ki Baat Suno’ by Zahida Hina; and ‘Faiz: A Poet of Peace from Pakistan’ by Khalid Sohail and Ashfaq Hussain.Presenting an analysis on “Kalam-e-Faiz ki Maheboobiat”, Dr Anwaar Ahmed of Muqtadra Qaumi Zaban said that Faiz was not only a progressive poet, his thoughts and expressions struck the deepest cords of human imagination. “There is need to ponder over the reasons why Faiz was popular with the people and unpopular with the establishment. And these reasons have to be revisited as we need to reflect on our standing as a society today.” Addressing the audience, IA Rehman, Secretary General HRCP said that much has been written about the progressive and forward-looking aspect of Faiz’s work. “The love he referred to in his work was the love that had the power to change the world and bring peace.” IA Rehman, however, emphasized that while Faiz’s writings about changing the world have inspired many, there is need to take his thoughts seriously. “We risk ending up as mere spectators if we continue to see Faiz’s “hum dekhain gey” as a romantic expression rather than a call to do something to change our regressive system.”The inaugural session was followed by Shah Latif’s Kalam performed by Faqir Mohammad Khan and Group. An interesting mukalma (dialogue) by Mehmood Farooqi and Daanish Hussain of Dastan Group from India was enacted and much appreciated by the audience. The third session carried intensive presentations on Faiz’s work by Dr Tahir Taunsvi, Dr Ali Ahmed Fatimi, Dr Humaira Ashfaque and Dr Zia-ul-Hassan. Dr Fehmida Hussain and Professor Seher Ansari too participated in the days sessions as chairs.The Jinnah Medical and Dental College Karachi and the Arts Council will host the sessions of the Conference in the next two days.