Poets from various regions of the country, including Hindu, Christian, and other non-Muslim communities, took part.
For the first time in the country’s history, a unique joint event was held on Independence Day and National Minorities Day, where poets from minority communities expressed their love for the nation through their poetry at a gathering organized by WE News.
The Mushaira took place at The Black Hole Auditorium in Islamabad, featuring poets from various regions, including Hindu, Christian, and other non-Muslim communities.
Titled ‘Hum Sab Ka Pakistan,’ the event celebrated both Independence Day and National Minorities Day. Nazir Qaiser, a prominent Urdu poet from the Christian community, presided over the event, with guest of honor Pandit Suraj Narayan, a Hindu poet from Kohat. Shehbaz Chauhan, who opened the Mushaira with his poem, served as the host.
The participating poets, representing diverse minority communities, paid tribute to their Motherland in a distinctive manner. Some reflected on their contributions to the creation of Pakistan, while others highlighted the deep bond between Quaid-e-Azam and SP Singha. Several poets expressed their identity tied to the holy land, while others celebrated its beauty through their verses.
The poets reaffirmed their commitment to sacrificing for the country and prayed for the unity symbolized by the green and white of the national flag.
White Color of the Flag:
At the beginning of the ceremony, WE News Chief Editor Amar Masood welcomed the poets and the audience, urging them to read their poems with passion to make the white color of the national flag shine even brighter. He noted that while mushairas are held nationwide on Independence Day, this event was special as it provided a platform for voices that have often gone unheard.
While Independence Day is celebrated across the country with various activities, this event stood out by fully representing the minority community.
A New Dream:
Presiding poet Nazir Qaiser described the event as a unique effort by WE News, referring to it as “a new dream to connect the minorities, languages, and provinces of this country.” He emphasized the contributions of minorities in fields like literature, medicine, and the military, stating that this event will play a significant role in showcasing their achievements.
He remarked, “You are lighting a lamp that faces strong winds,” and shared a poem that resonated deeply with the audience.
Well-known poet Aftab Javed voiced his support for such mushairas, stating they offer valuable insight into the perspectives of minorities regarding the nation. Poet Mehnaz Benjamin, who also participated, described the initiative as a positive step towards fostering harmony and promoting literature. Her poem, which garnered much appreciation, was also the title of the Mushaira.
National Minority Day:
In 2009, the Pakistani government designated August 11 as National Minority Day to honor the country’s religious minorities. This date is historically significant as it marks the day when the Father of the Nation announced equal rights for followers of all religions in his address.
While Muslims played a crucial role in the Pakistan Movement, many non-Muslim leaders stood alongside Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League. Since the country’s establishment, Hindu, Sikh, and Christian communities have continuously contributed to its construction, development, and defense.
