For the first time in the country's history, a joint and unique event was held on Independence Day and National Minorities Day wherein poets representing the minority community expressed their love for the country by presenting their poetry at a gathering organized by WE News.
Poets from different parts of the country, including the Hindu, Christian, and other non-Muslim communities, participated in this Mushaira held at The Black Hole Auditorium in Islamabad.
The event, titled 'Hum Sab Ka Pakistan,' was organized in Islamabad on the occasion of Independence Day and National Minorities Day.
The Mushaira was presided over by Nazir Qaiser, a well-known Urdu poet from the Christian community, with Pandit Suraj Narayan, a Hindu poet visiting from Kohat, serving as the guest of honor. Shehbaz Chauhan, who initiated the Mushaira with his poem, was the host of the event:
The poets, visiting from all over the country, paid homage to the Motherland in a unique way. Among the poets belonging to minority communities, some described their role in the construction of Pakistan, while others reflected on the loving relationship between Quaid-e-Azam and SP Singha.
Some poets declared the holy land as their identity, while others wrote poems on its beauty.
The poets not only reiterated their determination to lay down their lives for the country but also prayed for the unity of the green and white colors of the national flag.
White Color of the Flag:
Welcoming the poets and the audience at the beginning of the ceremony, WE News Chief Editor Amar Masood encouraged the poets to read their poems with passion and love, so that the white color of the national flag shines even brighter.
He further noted that while mushairas are organized across the country on Independence Day, this festival was unique because it provided a platform for voices that have never been heard in
Independence Day is celebrated in every part and class of the country, which includes debates, poetry, and other activities, but this event was special because it fully represented the minority community.
A New Dream
Presiding poet Nazir Qaiser described this as a unique effort by V News, calling it "a new dream to connect the minorities, languages, and provinces of this country."
He emphasized that minorities have contributed to various fields in the country, including knowledge, literature, medical science, and military institutions, and that this event will play an important role in highlighting their contributions.
Speaking about the event, he said, "You are lighting a lamp that faces strong winds." His poem, which resonated well with the audience, included the following lines:
On this occasion, well-known poet Aftab Javed expressed his support for such mushairas, saying they provide an opportunity to understand the views of minorities about the country.
Poet Mehnaz Benjamin, who also participated in the mushaira, described it as a positive initiative, noting that it will increase harmony with minorities and promote literature. Her poem, which was highly appreciated, was also the title of the Mushaira:
National Minority Day
In 2009, the government of Pakistan decided to celebrate August 11 as the National Day of the country's religious minorities.
The day holds historical significance, as it was on this day that the Father of the Nation, in his address, announced equal rights for the followers of all religions.
While Muslims actively participated in the Pakistan Movement, there were many non-Muslim leaders from the region who stood alongside Quaid-e-Azam and the Muslim League.
After the establishment of the country, whether in its construction, development, or defense, the Hindu, Sikh, and Christian communities have always played their role.
