ISLAMABAD: The two-day international conference on folk literature in Pakistan that concluded on Monday focused on storytelling, folk poetry, Sufi poetry and religious harmony.

The conference, “Globalising folkloric wisdom”, was held at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).

The speakers agreed that the cultural heritage of the world was facing challenges of the digital age in which folk literature and cultures will be able to survive only if they understand the requirements of the modern age. They said the prevailing harshness in societies can be minimised through folkloric wisdom.

According to a statement, the conference that witnessed 80 research papers was jointly organised by Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), IIUI, Department of English Literature, Faculty of Languages and Literature of the university in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) at the Quaid-i-Azam auditorium, Faisal Masjid campus of the IIUI.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony, IIUI Rector Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai stressed the need for presenting folk literature and culture to the world using modern resources. He said the international media portrays Pakistan as a terrorist and insecure country but the reality was quite the opposite.

Projection of our history, folk literature and culture can help us present our real image that is all about peace and harmony, he added.

He said the IIUI would continue playing its role in preserving and promoting the traditions of the region.

Dr Yousuf Khushk, chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), said: “We are proud of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and should remain so. A national museum will be set up in Islamabad soon.” He lauded the efforts of the university for the revival and promotion of folk literature and culture.

IIUI Vice President (Academics) Prof Dr Ayaz Afsar and Vice President Prof Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed shared their views about the theme of the conference.

Dr Husnul Amin, executive director Iqbal Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), IIUI, emphasised promotion of folk literature.

Simon J. Bruner, a distinguished professor of social sciences at the American University of Wisconsin, spoke about the dangers posed to folklore and culture in the digital age.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2022