SAHIWAL: A week-long programme to mark the International Mother Language Day will be observed here by civil society activists and some private and public educational institutes with the collaboration of Sahiwal Arts Council. Programmes will begin from Saturday and culminate on Feb 21.

Organisers told a press conference on Friday the programmes’ theme is ‘Ao ral mil main boli dehar manyaia” (Let’s collectively celebrate the International Mother Language Day).

Arts council director Dr Riaz Hamdani said a Punjabi street play by cultural body Sangat, a Punjabi mushaira, a cultural walk, a Punjabi dialogue and a boli cultural mela would be held at the Government Post-Graduate College, Comsats University, 15 Chowk, E-Library of Okara, and Jinnah Hall in Sahiwal.

Play ‘Choog Kusanbhay De’ is written by Najam Hussain Syed and directed by Huma Safdar. The 45-minute play is an adaptation of Bullah Shah Kafi. Mushaira will be graced by Baba Najmi, Afzal Sahir, Ali Zulfi, Naseer Baloch, Sabir Ali Sabir, Rai Muhammad Nasir, Baba Ghulam Hussain Nadeem, Tahire Sira, Iqra Preet, Gul Naz, Gulfam Naqvi, Baba Talib Jatoi, Fida Bokhari, Peroo Pahlwan and Mushtaq Adil.

The cultural walk will be organised from 15 Chowk to Jinnah Chowk on Feb 21 to be attended by civil rights activists, political workers and students.

The programme will end at Jinnah hall with a cultural show where Punjabi Ravi Jhoomer performers and folk singers will perform.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2019