PESHAWAR: The organisers of a cultural event here on Sunday asked the young participants to come up with new ideas for creating private entrepreneurship opportunities and promoting peace narrative through entertainment industry.

A large number of young artists, folk singers, poets, storytellers and musicians attended the event. Around 25 young singers, musicians, storytellers and artists exhibited their art at the event titled ‘Open Mic Night’.

The young performers garnered rounds of applause from the participants owing to their captivating but maiden performance.

The event was arranged by Qissakhawanan, a non-for-profit organisation, in collaboration with National Incubation Centre (NIC), Peshawar chapter with an objective to encourage young talent to display art to generate funds for sustainable development through inspirational performances.

Chief organisers of Qissakhawanan Khawar Mahmood and Syed Mudasir said that they launched the initiative to encourage young artists, poets, singers, musicians and storytellers to share their stories.

They said that some famous artists including Junaid Javed and Syed Mohsin aka Shah Jee also attended the event.

Tooba Shah, a young artist, said that life was soulless without music because the entire universe had a measured rhythm as it inspired peace and solace that could not be described in words.

She said that it was a great moment for her when she sang a folk song in front of a huge audience. She said that the cultural event could help young talent to exhibit their art.

Adam Asif, another young singer, said that he found the event most amazing that triggered a spirit in him to bring out his talent and promote the cause of peace.

Ahmad Daud, a young storyteller, said on the occasion that there was no greater agony bearing an untold story inside one. He said that storytelling had been the best art down the ages and had inspired generations after generations with its exquisiteness, suspense and thrill.

“Storytelling touches every living soul irrespective of age and mood. Inspirational stories could change and mould the very outlook of the hearers. Today our children are being raised without an ear for listening to or reading a story, therefore, they grow up in an environment where gardens are filled with flowers but no fragrance,” said Mr Daud.

Lariab Farhat, Tajdar, Saad Haider, Kashif Ahmad and RamshaAzhar also performed at the event.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2019