The vibrant celebration garnered substantial media attention, attracting a multitude of media personnel to cover the colorful and engaging festivities
A Visit to the Annual Celebration Dedicated to Mother Tongues
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
On the 22nd of February, we had the delightful opportunity to partake in the annual celebration dedicated to mother languages at the Lahore Press Club, nestled on the vibrant streets near Laxmi Chowk on Shimla Pahari.
The Lahore Press Club pulsated with dynamic energy, serving as the vibrant host for the Mother Tongue Book Fair spotlighting Punjabi language literature. The occasion transcended into a jubilant commemoration of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. The atmosphere teemed with life, characterized by myriad stalls presenting a diverse spectrum of Punjabi language books. The event resonated with the echoes of theater performances and captivating displays of folk art, where individuals adorned in striking traditional attire added to the festive ambiance.
This vibrant celebration garnered substantial media attention, attracting a multitude of media personnel to cover the colorful and engaging festivities. Post-celebrations, we ventured to a renowned eatery in Laxmi Chowk, concluding our day on a delightful note.
During our time at the event, we had the privilege of meeting esteemed Punjabi writers such as Mr Ali Usman Bajwa and Sagheer Ahmad Sagheer, the latter reciting his renowned poem "Aey koee gul aay." A seminar addressing language preservation, translation, and the significance of mother tongue education further enriched the intellectual aspect of the gathering.
Our presence was graciously acknowledged by the President of the Press Club, Mr Arshad Ansari; the general secretary, Mr Shahbaz Chaudhry; Daily News reporter Mr Sher Ali Khalti; Mr Farooq Shezad from Daily Express; Muhammad Hussain from Suno TV; and MrTanveer Ahmad. A warm reception awaited us at the Press Club's cafeteria, followed by a sumptuous dinner at Laxmi Chowk with Mr Adam Pal, turning our visit into a truly enchanting experience.
Our heartfelt thanks extend to Adam Pal Sahib for introducing us to such a marvelous occasion, and gratitude to all the wonderful individuals we encountered at the LPC. In essence, it was a profoundly enjoyable and culturally enriching experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the celebration of mother languages and savor the artistic and culinary wonders that Lahore has to offer.
