MINGORA: Literary scholars and poets said here on Saturday that regular literary activities must be carried out in educational institutions as literature was indispensable for positive development of students.

They were speaking in annual mushaira at the Government Postgraduate Jahanzeb College, Swat, jointly organised by Elum Pukhto Adabi Aw Kaltori Tolana, Character Building Society and Government Postgraduate Girls College, Swat. Dr Alikhel Daryab was the chief guest on the occasion while many poets, scholars, teachers and students participated in the event.

Pashto poets Layeq Zada Layeq, Abdur Rahim Roghaney, Bakht Zada Danish, Iqbal Shakir, Hanif Qais, Mohammad Gul Mansoor, Hamayun Masood, Dr Hamdard Yousafzai, Attaullah Jan, Usman Ulasyar, Neelum Arzo, Andaleeb Akhtar, Gule Rana Tabbasum, Nazia Durrani, Maryam Yousazia, Samina Qadir and others read their poems at the event.

They said that without literary activities no society could become civilised and poetry was one of the guiding principles for civilised societies.

Annual mushaira held in Swat college

“This college has organised literary activities regularly where the students are kept connected with literature and culture so they could become positive citizens,” said principal of the college Mumtaz Ali Shah.

The poets said that people of Swat were education loving and that was why they had passion for poetry.

“It is encouraging that students of the college love Pashto poetry and today they listened and appreciated the poets. One day they will replace us and the young generation will listen to them,” said Layeq Zada Layeq.

Prof Dr Alikhel Daryab said that such activities were essential for poets who presented their fresh poetic pieces and read them in front of students who not only listened to it but also learned from them. Literary activities are essential for the development of students,” he said.

Principal of Postgraduate Girls College Dr Nargis Ara said that Pashto literature was rich and its taste must be developed in the students and young generation for better understanding of day-to-day life. “Poetry is true reflection of the society and our poets should also focus on women rights in their poetry,” she said.

Organiser of the event Prof Attaur Rehman earlier thanked the guests and participants.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2019