Seven-day youth convention for cultural appreciation to start July 16

Convention aims to make youth aware of art and culture, says Sheema Kermani

KARACHI: Tehrik-e-Niswan's seven-day Residential Youth Convention for Cultural Appreciation will kick off on July 16 and will run till July 23 at Koohi Goth Hospital and Malir University.

This was announced by Tehrik-e-Niswan President Sheema Kermani during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday. Kaleem Durrani of Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences, activist Qurat Mirza and Tehrik-e-Niswan activist Nuzhat Shireen also spoke at the event.

Kermani said that Karachi has seen extreme waves of violence and in order to break this vicious circle, a change in moral attitudes, emotional responses and values is needed. She added that organising such a convention was a dire need of the time, as the citizens who have been victims of violence have always wanted such a convention.



Tehrik-e-Niswan is a non-profit organisation established in 1979 that focuses on issues related to women and promotes arts and culture.

Kermani said that this is the first residential convention for young people to gain awareness and appreciation of art and culture. She received a great response from youth belonging to different universities and colleges.

"We believe that to create a civilised, tolerant and inclusive society free from violence and discrimination, it is imperative that we give our youth an understanding about the importance of art and culture and knowledge about the richness of their cultural heritage," Kermani added.



She said that this can only happen if creative arts are taught, so that people open up their imaginations to be able to live up to their full creative potential.

Trainers, gurus and experts in various fields will give lectures in the disciplines of art, dance, music, theatre, handicrafts and aesthetics at the convention. These arts will motivate the youth to move away from violence and 'gun culture', she added.

She said that during the seven days, participants would follow a routine that would include yoga, followed by intensive workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances on folk and classical heritage. Traditional, classical and folk performers have been invited to the convention for entertainment and giving information about their respective art, she added.



Durrani said that the convention aims to be a life-transforming experience for the participants and hopes to make this an annual event. He praised Kermani and her organisation for promoting peace, arts and culture among youth.