PESHAWAR: Speakers at a function here on Thursday termed Urdu language a powerful way for every kind of literary expression.

The function was organised by literary society of Islamia College University at Khyber Union Hall to mark Urdu Day. Students, faculty members and Urdu buffs attended the event. Prof Nazeer Tabassum was chief guest on the occasion.

The speakers said that Urdu had a great strength for all kinds of literary expressions in addition to being a national language connecting different ethnic groups in her fold.

Ayesha Khan Wazir, a student from South Waziristan, told this scribe that the university administration was encouraging girl students but such events should be conducted after every semester.

Function held at Islamia College University to mark Urdu Day

She said that along with her friends attended the event, which she said not only provided interesting information about national language but also proved a source of inspiration to take part in such literary gatherings.

Urdu declamation contest, poetry competition and quiz session were part of the colourful event. Students of various disciplines, both boys and girls, participated in the event. About 20 young poets and 10 speakers took part in the poetry competition and declamation contest.

In Urdu declamation contest titled ‘Kia Husan Zahanat Se Behtar Hai (Is beauty better than intelligence), Haseebullah, Tanver Shirazi, and Hareem Zafar got first, second and third position respectively.

In Urdu poetry contest, Ms Sumbal, Ms Laraib and Kamran Gauhar received first, second and third prize. An interesting quiz was also held among participants on history, poetry, prose and fiction of Urdu language and literature. Students made fiery speeches on the topic while young poets displayed their talent.

Prof Nazeer Tabassum said that Urdu was one of the most sophisticated languages of the world that had contributed to the political and cultural development of society in a very significant way.

He said that literary giants like Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ghalib were arguably the best poets when it came to deep philosophy of freedom, justice and determination.

He said that it was a matter of pride that Ahmad Faraz and Mohsin Ehsan were affiliated to the historic Islamia College, Peshawar.

Prof Izharullah Izhar in his brief speech urged the students to devote themselves to hard work for bright future.

He said that study of Urdu literature would make them aware of the essence of written word.

He said that Urdu had a great treasure trove of knowledge for all of them.

Prof Mohammad Abbas said that reading Urdu literature would give great pleasure to young readers and they would find new meanings to life. He said that Urdu was a powerful vehicle for expressing every thought.

Noted poet Kashif Shah Wijdan appreciated students for their active participation in the event. He said that Urdu could unify Pakistani nation through its refined power of expression.

Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, Humaira Ali Hoti, Dr Salma Aslam, Ghulam Jilani, Owais Qarni and Prof Ataulah Shah Bukhari also spoke on the occasion. Ataullah, Hafiza Sumaia, Mohammad Khan and Farzana Feryal moderated the event.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2017