11th Hyderabad Literature Festival Celebrates ‘Beauty in Diversity’
HYDERABAD: The 11th edition of the Hyderabad Literature Festival (HLF), artfully themed ‘Beauty in Diversity’, commenced in a local hotel on Sunday, bringing together a vibrant celebration of cultural expression. The two-day event’s inaugural session was graced by Sindh Minister for Culture, Zulfiqar Ali Shah, as the chief guest.
The opening ceremony set a rich cultural tone, featuring a recitation from the works of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, followed by a performance of his famous folk tale, “Umer & Marvi,” presented by students. A Gilgiti dance by students from Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and a poetry recital on Sindh by Afsheen Memon further captivated the audience.
Speaking at the event, Minister Zulfiqar Shah lauded the organizers for their collaboration with his department. He revealed plans to extend similar cultural initiatives to the district level. “My department is actively working to directly connect artisans with markets, eliminating intermediaries,” he stated.
Culture Minister Pledges Support for District-Level Events
The Culture Minister highlighted the growing international profile of Pakistan’s cultural landscape, referencing the recent World Literature Festival (WLF) in Karachi, which saw participation from 142 countries—a significant jump from the previous edition’s 44. “These events project a positive image of Pakistan globally,” he remarked. SindhNews.com reports on the government’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange.
He underscored his department’s dedication to safeguarding Sindh’s heritage. Shah recounted the successful effort to secure heritage status for Boreendo, an ancient musical instrument of the Indus Valley Civilisation, at a UNESCO forum in India. Despite visa challenges for the delegation, Pakistan’s High Commission facilitated a presentation that led to Boreendo’s inclusion among UNESCO’s heritage artifacts.
Keynote speaker Haris Khalique emphasized the crucial role writers and intellectuals play in bridging societal divides. “While cherishing our civilizational heritage, we must foster harmonious voices for cultural longevity and the protection of our core interests,” he urged.
Inamullah Shaikh, a former Sindh University teacher, observed a resurgence in cultural activities, including literary and musical events. “Engaging in international cultural dialogues is vital for Sindh’s cultural survival while embracing modern preservation techniques,” he advised, stressing individual societal responsibility. Author Dr. Tehmina Mufti called for educating the youth about Sindh’s historical dynasties like the Samma, Soomra, Kalhora, and Talpur.
Hyderabad Commissioner Fayyaz Abbasi praised the festival’s theme, stating, “Diversity is fundamental to societal progress, and HLF’s theme is exceptionally fitting.” He expressed delight at the enthusiastic reception of the Gilgiti performers. The festival also honored Naseer Mirza, Afzal Ahmed Syed, Wusatullah Khan, Humera Channa, Sakina Samoo, and Samina Ahmed with lifetime achievement awards. HLF host Izhar Soomro assured attendees of a safe environment, particularly for women, and announced plans for future editions at the same venue.
The 11th Hyderabad Literature Festival successfully brought together diverse cultural elements, underscoring the importance of diversity and heritage preservation through engaging performances and insightful discussions.