LAHORE: The Centre for Dialogue and Action at the Forman Christian College (FCC) hosted on Friday a maiden meeting of the Seraiki Study Circle where the Seraikis living in Lahore, particularly students and also people from other walks of life, were present.

The idea of a study circle, a brainchild of Dr Nukhbah Langah, head of the FCC English department, was appreciated by Dr Charles Ramsey, chairman of the Centre of Dialogue and Action, and Dr Julie Flowerday, FCC professor of sociology.

Dr Langah said the Seraiki needed such a forum where they could hold dialogues on politics, culture, economy etc of Seraiki areas, and she was grateful to the centre for providing the place.

Dr Flowerday said a university, even though a place of learning, was also about preserving and promoting traditions and diversities. Dr Ramsey suggested collection of data on Seraiki areas through such circles, offering the FCC would protect your work and contribution.

A few students were skeptical about discussing politics and issues like the Seraiki province at the grassroots level.

“How can we assert our identity about being a Seraiki when people are only worried about their bread and butter?” said Shahzad Shafi.

“That’s also a political issue that a man is living day to day only for bread and butter,” said Fahd Marl.

Participants discussed the likely features of the circle and decided to make it such a platform where they could discuss history, language, politics and economy of the Seraiki people with the basic aim to raise political awareness among them.

The circle will meet once a month to hold thematic sessions and Waqas Mirza will be convener of the circle.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play