Faiz remembered as poet of humanity
ISLAMABAD: Remembering Faiz Ahmed Faiz as an idealist and socialist, speakers here on Saturday termed his poetry universal in conveying its message of humanity and struggle against exploitation and local in giving Pakistan a pluralistic identity away from fundamentalism.
The function on the death anniversary of Faiz was organised by Majlis Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
Abida Hussain, who preferred to call herself a political worker, wanted the audience to remember Faiz as a thinker who had defined Pakistani identity as polite and pluralistic people filled with love of humanity. She regretted that the military rules have destroyed image of Pakistan. “Today we are seen as violent people who are cruel, hardened, and unjust in our attitudes.” She placed Faiz along with Chilean poet Pablo Neruda for his passion for voicing the struggle of downtrodden and exploited workers of the world.
In her remarks, Ghazala Yasmeen asked for greater understanding of Faiz`s work by the young generation, adding that the poet she called uncle had great attachment with young people. She added today Pakistan again needed somebody to relive its true beauty as Pakistanis are inheritors of Indus valley civilization. “Today we need someone who could generate the sweet smells, vibrant sounds and magic of Pakistani landscape.”
Editor Mustansar Javed called Faiz a sensitive human and a true socialist. Ashfaq Saleem Mirza remembered Faiz as a confirmed idealist on the road to socialism and one of the earliest poets associated with the movement of progressive writers. Prof Iqbal Afaqi spoke of him as a person who brought glory and international recognition to Pakistan.
The ceremony also set in motion centenary celebrations of the legendary poet. Col (retired) Ahmed Bella, director general of Pakistan Academy of Letters, said an international conference on literature and peace in February 2011 would be held in Pakistan.
He said writers, including Nobel laureates, from Mexico, Peru and South Africa were expected to attend the conference. He added Salima Hashmi would organise Faiz Festival from April 11 next year.
Source: The News
Date:11/21/2010
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