PESHAWAR: Speakers at a ceremony here said that literary, cultural and sports activities kept the society alive and served as a great source of motivation for youth.

They said that literati and intellectuals played a significant role in promoting the cause of cultural and linguistic diversity.

The ceremony was held at the auditorium of provincial culture directorate to celebrate best literary works produced during 2021 in Urdu, Pashto and Hindko. The annual prize distribution ceremony was arranged under the auspices of Abasin Arts Council (AAC). Literati received awards for producing best poetry, prose and research in Urdu, Pashto and Hindko languages during the year 2021.

Former provincial minister Syed Aqil Shah, who chaired the event, said that poets, writers and research scholars deserved appreciation for contributing to the society through inspirational literary works.

He said that literary, cultural and sports activities kept the society alive and served as great source of motivation for youth. He said that literati and intellectuals played a significant role in promoting the cause of cultural and linguistic diversity. The recipients of Abasin Arts Council literary awards included Khurshid Rabbani, Umar Qayyaz Qail, Irshad Ahmad Sadqui, Ismail Gohar, Syeda Haseena Gul, Dr Syed Waqar Ali Shah, Nusrat Naseem, Dr Qamar Zaman Qamar and Sultan Nasir, who were given Sardar Abdur Rab NIshtar, Prof Shafi Sabir, Allah Bakhash Yousafi, Justice Kiyani, Raman Baba, Khushal Khan Khattak, Mualana Abdul Qadir, Raza Hamdani and Ahmad Ali Sayien awards for best Urdu, Pashto and Hindko poetry, prose and research works.

Prof Nasir Ali Syed in his remarks pointed out that poets and writers were fulfilling their responsibilities to guide the society and motivate people, especially youth, to contribute to social economic and political aspects of the society and the country at large.

“Founded in 1955, Abasin Arts Council has been encouraging literati, artists and researchers within its meagre resources,” he said.

Khurshid Rabbani, an Urdu poet from Dera Ismail Khan and recipient of Abasin Arts Council award for his poetry collection titled ‘Khubare Ayena’, on the occasion said he was pleased to meet with literati of the entire province. He said that the credit went to panelist of the literary forum, which helped to gather them at one platform.

Noted artist and president of Abasin Arts Council Advocate Abdur Rauf Ruhaila briefly discussed performance and contribution of his organisation for promotion of literary and cultural activities in the province spread during the last 67 years.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2022