KARACHI: To counter the growing trend of extremism in the country, a different kind of rebel has decided to embark upon Karachi, in order to disseminate a message of peace, love and tolerance.
'An Evening With Rebels' is being organised by Haq Mojood Sath - a group of like-minded Sufi singers, poets, writers and journalists at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi on April 18.
The group had initiated a campaign against radicalism in the province after the incident in which the body of Bhuro Bheel, a member of the Hindu scheduled caste, was desecrated. "Sindh had the reputation of being the land of mystics," said Nisar Khohar, the man through whose efforts the group was able to organise various events all over the province. "Our Sufi saints, Shah Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, Rohail Faqir and Shah Inayat Shaheed all gave us lessons of co-existence." He was of the opinion that some elements had tarnished the image of the province. "We have decided to take a stand against these forces," he asserted.
Khohar explained that Sindh had a very unique history and culture. "Not only did Hindus and Muslims live together, you will find many Hindu graves in the courtyards of Sufi poets. This is ample proof that we can co-exist," he told The Express Tribune.
'An Evening With Rebels', initially received a tremendous response on social media. The large number of participants at one of the events in Hyderabad last year, encouraged the organisers to replicate the idea in other cities and towns. The name of the programme has been selected keeping in mind the revolutionary thinking of these poets and writers against the growing trend of extremism in the province.
The unique thing about the programme is that there is neither a chief guest nor has an influential person ever been invited to preside over it. The Sufi poets and singers, especially the newer faces, are encouraged to share their views and convey their messages to promote peace.
A renowned poet, Hafiz Nizamani, will also grace the occasion on Friday. The theme of the programme has been selected from Nizamani's revolutionary poem, "Asaan jee maam Mansoori aseen janoon Khuda janen [We have embraced the credo of Mansoor, we know and our God knows]."
Among other poets and singers attending the programme are Rubina Abro from Larkana, Jamal Faqir and Majhi Faqir from Sanghar, Khalil Khoso from Tando Allahyar and Amar Jalil from Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2014.
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