THE Karachi Literature Festival gave a good opportunity to meet and listen to literary luminaries and share views, along with an occasion or two to meet old and lost friends. Secondly, the younger generation, who were present in large numbers, realised and understood the value of books and reading.
Thirdly, the literary and culturally starved people of Karachi had three days of respite from the stressful circumstances of the city. Last but not least, the publishing houses had good business.
At various sessions I attended it was found that the audience at times were dominating the interaction/conversation and the volley of questions was remarkable. This was very encouraging. However, despite the festival being a success, the following questions do crop up in mind:
Was it a literature festival or a literature-cum-cultural festival, with the inclusion of fine art (music and dance), politics, sports, foreign relations, human rights and child abuses issues along with TV talk shows hosts and anchors?
Many English books were launched and discussed in comparison with other languages. Indeed English is a global language; it broadens our horizon and exposes us to world affairs. Writing in English brings instant recognition in the international market.
But English has limited readership in our country, it is spoken, read and understood by very few. Hence, Pakistani English literature should not have been given centre-stage or representative status at the festival. Apart from our national language (Urdu) and Sindhi, there is so much of worthy literature produced in Balochi, Seraiki, Punjabi and Pashto.
The last-minute shifting of sessions’ venues and lack of proper public announcement system added to the inconvenience of the visiting public.
Similarly, no consideration was given to senior citizens and handicapped visitors.
Hope the organisers would take necessary steps in the fifth KLF. Renaming of the festival is recommended if the contents of the festival remain the same.
SYED JAVAID HASAN Karachi
A good effort
THE festival was an excellent effort. It brought together writers, readers and citizens together. Someone may have reservations about its format and sessions. But before thinking so, they ought to visualise the organisers’ limitations.
Simultaneously, having Children’s Literature Festival (CLF), along with KLF, was a much-needed event. The CLF offered diversified activities such as book making, reading competitions, puppet shows and a lot of hand-on activities. It means there was something for each child, belonging to various age groups.
Parents like me should be happy that at least for some days the TV remained switched off while children enjoyed themselves at the KLF.
ZAFFAR JUNEJO Dadu