Faiz Festival 2024 - Interview with Dr. Pervez Houdbhoy - Poet Kanwal Feroze and Mr. Singh from USA

During our visit to the 8th Faiz Ahmad Faiz Festival 2024 at Alhamra Art Center / Council Lahore held on 9th, 10th and 11th February 2024, We had opportunity to interview dignitaries like very respected Dr. Pervez Houdbhoy, Famous Poet Kanwal Feroze and an Indian Scholar & writer Mr. Singh who came from Boston USA. He is a author of many books. His recent book is Sufi's nightingale about Saint Madhu Laal Hussain's life. Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy: Pervez Amirali Hoodbhoy is a Pakistani nuclear physicist and activist who served as Zohra and Z.Z. Ahmed Foundation Distinguished Professor of physics and mathematics at the Forman Christian College-University in Lahore, and previously taught physics at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) in Lahore and the Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad. Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy is also a prominent activist, in particular concerned with promotion of freedom of speech, secularism, scientific temper and education in Pakistan. He received his BS (1973, electrical engineering), BS (1973, mathematics), MS (1973, physics), and PhD (1978, nuclear physics) degrees, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He taught physics at Quaid-e-Azam University for 37 years. He is a recipient of the Baker Award for Electronics and the Abdus Salam Prize for Mathematics. He was visiting professor at MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Maryland. In 2003 he was awarded UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize for the popularization of science. Kanwal Feroze: Kanwal Feroze is a Pakistani scholar, poet, writer and journalist. He was born in 1938 in Ferozpur, India, and migrated to Sargodha, Pakistan. He moved to Lahore in 1958 and has since been playing an important role in the literary activities of the city. He is the Chief Editor of the monthly Urdu language journal Shadaab, which is an independent, socio-political and literary magazine which has specialized in minority issues and promoted inter-religious peace and harmony since 1969. He holds a Ph.D. in Community Journalism. In February 2005, he was honored by the Pakistan Academy of Letters. In 2009, he was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (President's Medal of Excellence) in Literature by the Government of Pakistan.[5] Feroz belonged to the Christian community.[1] His poetry has been published in four volumes: Shahar-e- Saleeb-o-Gul – 1967 Shaakh-e-Shab-e-Wisaal - 1992 Shaam-e-Firat-e-Dil - 2002 Shafaq-e-Subh-e-Ghazal - 2009 The Faiz International Festival in Lahore is an annual cultural event that pays tribute to the legendary Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Held in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, the festival is a celebration of Faiz's life, works, and ideals. It aims to promote literary and cultural activities, foster dialogue on social and political issues, and celebrate the diversity and richness of Pakistani art and literature. The festival typically features a wide array of activities, including poetry readings, panel discussions, music concerts, theater performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and book launches. Renowned poets, writers, intellectuals, artists, activists, and performers from Pakistan and around the world participate in the festival, sharing their insights, creativity, and passion with the audience. One of the highlights of the Faiz Festival is the presentation of the Faiz International Award for Literature, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Urdu literature. The festival also includes sessions dedicated to exploring Faiz's life, poetry, and legacy, allowing attendees to gain a deeper understanding of his work and its relevance to contemporary issues. The Faiz Festival in Lahore attracts a diverse audience, including students, academics, professionals, art enthusiasts, and the general public. It provides a platform for cultural exchange, networking, and engagement, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among participants. Overall, the Faiz International Festival in Lahore serves as a vibrant celebration of literature, art, and culture, honoring Faiz's enduring legacy while also inspiring new generations of writers, artists, and activists to carry forward his vision of social justice, equality, and human rights.