By: Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti
HYDERABAD: The Shah Latif Children Festival concluded with resounding success and a plethora of cultural activities at the Sindh Museum in Hyderabad this evening. The two-day extravaganza, organized by the Sindhi Language Authority, aimed to engage students from across the Sindh Province in various cultural and educational activities while celebrating the rich heritage of the revered poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
The festival, inaugurated on Saturday by Caretaker Sindh Minister for Information and Minorities Affairs, Syed Ahmed Shah, and Caretaker Culture Minister Junaid Shah, provided a platform for students to showcase their talents through a diverse array of activities, including tableaus, debate competitions, stage dramas, speech competitions, singing contests, calligraphy competitions, and cultural musical programs.
Participation in the festival was open to students from different schools across the province, fostering a sense of unity and providing them with an opportunity to explore and celebrate the cultural diversity inherent in Sindh.
The opening ceremony, marked by the soulful recitation of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s “vaai” by students from Gul Ursani School, set the tone for the festival. Secretary Sindhi Language Authority, Dr. Ahsan Danish, highlighted Bhittai’s significance as a great thinker and poet, emphasizing his influence across all segments of society.
Dr. Manoj Kumar, a renowned writer, outlined the festival’s purpose, focusing on showcasing tableaus, paintings, and facilitating speech competitions to introduce Shah Abdul Latif and his profound poetry to children. The festival also featured a singing and drawing contest, attracting enthusiastic participation from children across the province.
Provincial Minister Ahmed Shah, addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of 17th-century poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and their role as poets for the people. He praised Bhittai’s portrayal of women as “Soormis” in his poetry and stressed the need for thinkers like Bhittai in the present critical times. Minister Shah further emphasized the necessity of preserving the rich cultural heritage represented by poets such as Bhittai, encouraging its promotion among children for the benefit of future generations.
Provincial Culture Minister Syed Junaid Shah commended the efforts of the Sindhi Language Authority in organizing the vibrant and unique children’s festival. He highlighted the importance of introducing heritage sites to children, fostering a deep connection with their cultural roots.
The Shah Latif Children Festival proved to be a celebration of culture, education, and creativity, offering a platform for children to engage with the rich legacy of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and the broader cultural heritage of Sindh. The active participation in singing and drawing contests showcased the immense talent and creativity of the young participants, ensuring the festival’s success in achieving its objectives.