Faiz Aman Mela draws large crowds to LPC

Poet’s daughter says her father still lives in the hearts of deprived masses

LAHORE: Just the mere mention of Faiz Ahmed Faiz draws a crowd so it was hardly surprising that people thronged Lahore Press Club to attend the Faiz Aman Mela on Sunday, despite security concerns.

The Faiz Aman Mela used to be organised at Bagh-i-Jinnah’s open air theatre, but security concerns confined it to the press club. The Lahore Press Club administration organised the event and poetry enthusiasts did not miss out on the chance. People from different walks of life, including trade union activists, political party workers and others participated on the occasion. They had the chance to hear Faiz’s poetry being recited or sung through ghazals performed by different classical singers.

There were dedicated spaces for stalls of various causes and campaigns, while the books of the legendary poet were also available. Speaking to the audience, Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s daughter Saleema Hashmi said frequent events dedicated to Faiz proved he was still living in the hearts of the deprived masses. “People are still tied to the legacy of Faiz Ahmed Faiz.”

Sharing some memories, the former principal of National College of Arts said the festival was aimed at not only remembering her father, but to showcase the great poet’s struggle for the working classes. “You people still own Faiz as we are as family. He still belongs to the people,” she commented.

During the event, a poetry session failed to attract much attention as it was a sunny day and there was a lack of proper arrangements to shield the participants. However, the cooler evening drew large crowds and noted singers such as Jawad Ahmed, Taimoorur Rehman, Master Inayat Abid and Ustaad Nasir Hussain thrilled the audience.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2017.