By S. Zainab Naqvi
The much-awaited AMU Literary Festival 2017 organised by the AMU Debating and Literary Club commenced on Friday, 3 March 2017 on the premises of Cultural Education Centre, AMU. The event started with am an inaugural ceremony with the release of the "Lit Letter" by Tushar Gandhi, an author, peace activist and great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. The session was also adorned by eminent guests including Saif Mahmood, Chandrahas Choudhury, along with Dr F.S. Shirani (AMU), Dr. Mohibul Haque (AMU) and Dr Siraj Ajmali(AMU).
Putting forward a bird's -eye- view, Secretary, Wajahat Jilani pointed out the various activities and the previous literature festivals conducted by the club on how they channeled Art, Literature and Culture at the fest. Following the inaugural session, a Slam Poetry session was held.
Under Session 2, Saif Mahmood recited the poems of Faiz, Faraz and John Elia. During the session named "Padhant" he focused on the need to interpret works on romance and protest though their works to deal with the present scenario of world politics and racial sensitization. He also shared his undeniable touch with AMU and his being a 'distant Aligarian' sentiments with the audience.
Following it was the 3rd and the last session of day one of three days long literary festival with radio jockey Naved from Delhi on the theme "Comedy as Means of Social Change". Naved encouraged the students of A.M.U. on it being their fortune to study at one of the best Universities. He also emphasised on the need to struggle and stay true to one's own identity if we seek success in life. He recalled the numerous incidents where religious differences and communal hatred be defeated by means of wit and humour. He pointed out the fact on how comedy can dissolve violence and anger and infuse understanding among people.
The first day of the Literary Festival was closed with a musical performance. The events will continue until March 5, 2017. Aligarh Muslim University Literary Festival 2017 will host guests like Swara Bhaskar and Ashok Vajpeyi in the event with some other eminent personalities.
