LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hasan Amir Shah has called upon students to study Punjabi literature, saying English may help them earn a better livelihood, but Punjabi literature is a must for spiritual elevation.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of a Punjabi mushaira (poetry recitation) organised by the varsity’s Punjabi Majlis, Shah said the world’s best mystic literature was available in Punjabi.

“Punjabi poetry is also a true reflection of our folk wisdom,” he said.

He said Punjabi was an international language spoken in several countries and connected millions of people who understood and communicated with each other through it.

He also said the GCU would continue to work for promotion of Punjabi language and literature.

Some 30 poets, including Rai Muhammad Nasir Khan, Younas Ahqar, Prof Saadat Saeed, Adal Minhas Lahori, Kalyan Singh Kalyan, Veer Sapahi, Afzal Sahir, Ramzan Shakir, Saima Almas and Saeed Ulfat presented their poetry at the mushaira.

Meanwhile, Islamic scholar Dr Khalid Zaheer, a PhD in Islamic banking from the University of Wales, UK, stressed the need for a strong global narrative of peace and love for humanity. He traced the causes of extremism and terrorism across the world while addressing on ‘Islam, Peace and Pakistan’ at the GCU.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2016