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Speak for change: ‘Dialogue’ series ends with revived hope in youth

Closing ceremony focuses on the various aspects that act as an impediment to the progress of Karachi

Our Correspondent May 13, 2015

The idea behind the ‘Dialogue’ series was to celebrate the diversity of Karachi, much like the people above who formed a human chain outside the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral situated in Saddar. The city is home to various places of worship of different religions, including Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: The 'Dialogue' series of the 'I Am Karachi' came to an end on Tuesday at Bahria University, with revived hope in youth acting as a catalyst to change.

A closing ceremony was hosted by the 'I Am Karachi' consortium and the Express Media Group. It focused on the various aspects that impede the progress of Karachi.

Students of Bahria University rejoiced at the ceremony with zeal and fervour. It was a culmination of the nine 'Dialogue' sessions organised at various universities of Karachi — from the Textile Institute of Pakistan to the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, Lyari.

The entire 'Dialogue' series successfully stirred a sense of realisation and ownership among the youth. The youth was enlightened on topics such as arts, culture, heritage and history preservation, literature, role of media, women empowerment and youth literacy.

The 'I Am Karachi' team and the Express Media Group celebrated their success that they claimed to have achieved through the promotion of a culture of rational debates. Different speakers advised the youth on what they should do with their awakened creativity.

According to Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan, director Omair Ahmad, the youth should come up with sustainable initiatives to rehabilitate the ailing city of Karachi. "The development sector has a void that has to be filled with the talented youth of the country," he said. "The youth, with their ideas, can help the development sector to create valuable propositions for clients."

Zara Basharat, a member of the 'I Am Karachi' consortium and senior manager of corporate communications and corporate social responsibility at The Express Tribune, urged the youth to become forerunners instead of being just followers. She stressed the need for students to contribute to the development sector to bring about a change in society instead of just dreaming to be a small part of a large system or organisation.

Wajiha Naqvi, the campaign manager of ‘I Am Karachi’, encouraged the youth to join the movement to reawaken Karachi's lost spirit. "The lights of this city have dimmed just for a while," she said. "With collective efforts and positive energy, we can revive Karachi once again."

Three students of Bahria University were also given the opportunity to present their ideas at the end of ceremony on how to improve Karachi. The best idea was rewarded with a token of appreciation.

The 'Dialogue' series ended with a hope to see the youth indulging in rational debates for a better future.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2015.

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