ISLAMABAD: Students from 30 different universities across the country participated in an online poetry symposium where they recited their work on Wednesday.

The symposium, titled ‘Online New Generation Mushaira’ was organised by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), the Inter-University Consortium and Islamia University, Bahawalpur.

Students from universities in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan participated.

The chief guest was Islamia University Vice Chancellor Dr Athar Mehboob, who said that along with higher education, it is also important to create an interest in poetry and literature among younger generations.

Dr Mehboob said that the mushaira would generate interest in poetry and literature, adding that people with a literary mindset can play a positive role in society.

PAL Chairman Dr Yousuf Khushk said that the academy would continue to actively maintain literary activities during the on going coronavirus pandemic, adding that Wednesday’ smushaira would provide opportunities for young people to move forward.

PAL will continue to organise such programmes to encourage young people, he added.

Inter-University Consortium National Coordinator Murtaza Noor said that with the PAL’s participation, poetry over video link could create a trend among young people, who would be able to play an active role in society. The literary community also expressed condolences on the death of Minister of Federal Education Shafqat Mahmood’s mother.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2020