Dedicated literary, cultural tea house inaugurated

Writers, poets express pleasure over provision of exclusive space

RAWALPINDI:

A dedicated tea house was inaugurated at the Punjab Arts Council to provide a platform for writers and poets to discuss and showcase their work.

On the pattern of the famous Pak Tea House in Lahore, the literary hub of socialisation was highly eulogized by the literary minds of the city.

The tea house was inaugurated by celebrated poet Dr Ehsan Akbar, with representatives of all literary organisations in Rawalpindi in attendance at the ceremony.

Various poets, writers, and intellectuals have expressed their pleasure in the development and said that they would now be able to play an impactful role in the promotion of literature through the forum.

Addressing the participants, Dr Akbar extended his gratitude for the establishment of cultural tea houses across the province on the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.

He said that meetings in the tea house will not only help bridge the communication gap between established poets and their upcoming contemporaries but will also aid in producing quality works of literature.

Prominent poet Sarfaraz Shahid said the literary rendezvous would be a great opportunity for writers and poets to present their work before a bigger audience.

Meanwhile, Dr Munawar Hashmi said that to promote literature, poetry, and prose, literary organisations have to step up and make the most of this opportunity. Naheed Manzoor added that while the government’s job is to provide a platform, its effective usage is in the hands of organisations.

Punjab Arts Council Director Waqar Ahmed said that the doors of the council are always open for literary and cultural activities. Thousands of artists are being given special grants and special funds for cultural organisations have been set up as well, through which artists are receiving monthly stipends.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2021.