Lahore Literary Festival Opens with Focus on Enlightenment
The 13th edition of the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) began at the Alhamra Art Centre on Friday. The theme of this year’s festival is enlightenment. Writers and scholars from 12 countries, including Pakistan, are attending. The festival will last for three days.
Keynote Address and Sessions
Historian Ayesha Jalal delivered the keynote address. She is the author of Muslim Enlightened Thought in South Asia. Mary Richardson, a professor of history, also spoke. The address was followed by a session on historical methodologies. Eduardo Manzano Moreno and Diana Darke participated. BBC journalist Mishal Husain moderated the session.
Diverse Topics and Global Participation
LLF CEO Razi Ahmed said the theme of enlightenment was inspired by Jalal’s book. He explained that the sessions would explore how literature and history can replace bigotry. Sessions on Punjabi and Urdu writers are scheduled. Poets Iftikhar Arif and Fatima Hasan are among the participants.
An Urdu mushaira will be held to celebrate the tradition of Urdu poetry.
Focus on Environmental and Social Issues
The festival will discuss environmental concerns. Topics like climate justice and sustainable living will be covered. Experts like Nadia Jamil and Samiya Mumtaz will share their insights. There will also be a session on urban solutions in Lahore, focusing on architecture.
International Authors and Literary Dialogues
International authors, including David Wagner and Sofka Zinovieff, will discuss their experiences in cities like Berlin and Athens. A session on colonial violence’s effect on visual culture will feature Azza El-Hassan.
Women Writers and Identity
There will be a session on women writers in Urdu literature. Participants include Noorul Huda Shah, Yasmeen Hammed, and Neelum Ahmad Bashir. Another session will focus on identity, featuring Asghar Nadeem Syed and Sughra Sadaf.
AI and Global Perspectives
A discussion on artificial intelligence will take place. Authors Fatimah Asghar and Jessica Bruder will share their views on the subject.
The LLF offers a wide range of sessions on literature, history, and global issues. This year’s festival highlights important topics such as environmental justice, colonial history, and the role of women writers. It continues to inspire readers and promote enlightenment.