Poetry reading: Reviving a lost art form

ISLAMABAD:

Poetry may soon become a forgotten art in a community where there aren’t many literary opportunities being afforded to poets and artists.

Poetry recitals like the one held at the Islamabad Club on Sunday have been few and far between. Verses were recited by established literati largely based on Pakistan’s socio-political woes.

A common thread running through the poems was how and why Pakistanis have disassociated themselves from the values and morals of the past and the national sense of disenchantment that has pervaded public conscience.

Though many of the attendees were already privy to poetry, the organisers hoped that such efforts in the propagation of the arts would continue, helping to cultivate an appreciation among the youth.

About 45 people attended including some of Islamabad’s notable personalities and intellectuals including Haris Khaleeq, Arjumund Azhar, Mehr Naqvi, Nasreen Cheema, Brigadier Saeed Azhar, Sana and Talat Azim. Later Mashal Foundation, an NGO focusing on education, family planning and vocational training received donations from attending parties.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2012.