Literary Epilogue: Young minds talk of love, rebellion and dreams at local contest

Showcase talent through rendition of poems and prose extracts

KARACHI: Young literary enthusiasts showcased their talents through rendition of poems and recitals of prose extracts at an evening titled 'Literary Epilogue' on Friday.

The contest organised at Bum Zee restaurant in Gulshan-e-Iqbal gave the young minds an opportunity to cultivate their thoughts on literary grounds as opposed to the norm, which is mostly centred on the course of finding and gaining materialistic pleasures.

Some of the university students shared original works while others read from old classical works, proving that the young minds were certainly brimming with talent.

Rebellious and revolutionary

The event made you feel that the youth of Karachi is a little frustrated over the times they live in — hard times for one to nurture a complete, sane process. However, what engulfed the audience was the fact that there were times these young men and women shared ideas of staging rebellions against the prevailing system. For example, Shoaib Arshad recited his piece of writing, titled Zabaan Nahi Chalaatay Hain [You don't talk back], while Batool Hassan read her slam poetry, titled Against You.

Yet another debatable topic that could lead to awakening political thought was found in Ibtesam Hashmi's prose, titled Mangay Huwaay Sooraj Say Ujala Nahi Hota [The borrowed sun cannot give light]. Meanwhile, Hamna Hassan took to the podium and shared her views on being ethical and good.

There were others who read their works in praise of Pakistan, such as Pyara Pakistan Jal Raha Hai [Beloved Pakistan is on fire] by Musawir Yameen. In poetry rendition, it was Foakia Yameen who talked about Kashmir and its beauty in her work titled Murjaya Hua Gulab [The wilted rose]. Similarly, Rubab Haider read her original poetic work, titled Life. The dreams of trying to be a better person rose well in the poetic diction of Sarah Khan's work, In the Land, Far, Far Away. Revolving around the theme of love, an original, beautiful Urdu piece was read by Arham bin Mushtaque, titled Ab Laut Aao Na [Please come back].

At the end of the event, the winners were announced.

While the thought-process of the children proved to be enhanced in their works coupled with a good amount of confidence during renditions, what was lacking were facial expressions and a command over correct Urdu pronunciations.

What is Literary Epilogue?

The epilogue is a venture of the Royal Society of Literature. "Literary talks are not usually promoted on student level [here]," said Rifza Faheem, honourary secretary of the society. "In foreign lands, this happens on weekends, where you find literary writings and speeches.

But that does not happen here, hence the birth of this event." While the society was launched in October, 2015, in Karachi, this was its first event.

Danish Sayanne, the president of the society, said he was first fascinated by literature when he was 12 years old as he read Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. He is an author of two books, Play for Life, and another series titled Daniel Sawyer Dilemma. His third work, titled French — a novel in verse, is soon going to be published.

He said that he intends to promote literature in the city and education in the slums to prevent children from entering the child labour force.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2016.