By Rida Hussain

Two Years Experience Of University Life

Apart from being Rida Hussain at school in the mere group of 30-40 people, here at Karachi University I realized that I am an insignificant and a minute being. I felt my identity is somewhere under the ‘dust’ where I have to strive hard to make my identity eminent among the sea of people.

Here in this blog I may babble out the dismay I confronted from people’s inappropriate or rather immature behavior. But gradually I realized at the end of my first year that now for the next four years of my life this university and the people around here are my “world”. Where I will eat, talk , communicate, interact , laugh and even socialize. An ultimate abode which will occupy all rooms of my mind for the next four years whether I cherish it or not.

Adjustment, adaptability and compromises were the golden lessons of life which I learned here. Sometimes, adjusting to different sets of behavior from your mates, which often drags you to the verge, of your explosion of your anger.

Sometimes embracing the bitter fact that nobody is going to stay with you forever, you have to be dependent upon your soul.

These two years of the university life were a mirror to; where the incidents and my actions and reactions to it were a true reflections of actually who I am?

Believing on the rule of nature that what you give to others finally makes its destiny towards you. I simply followed the voice of my conscience.

On many occasions I was conjured in a battle of right and wrong. I may not testify that I had been always on the right path, but facing a battle of right and wrong and struggling to make myself rise above the emotional cycle I really think am not that Rida that was two years back.

By Fatima Absar

Experience Of Two Years In University 

Its been tough to be in Karachi University. Specially when you have to compromise on what you really want. But nothing can stop you if you try.

The first year was tough and least intresting, as I didn't get admission in the department I want to be in.

When second year started I came to know about the transfer process. I got to know about it on the last day of form submition. I can't forget that day. The whole day was on fire. I was anxiously running to get my application signed. Due to 80% marks in both the semester I was transfered to the desired department.

From that day things become bit normal and appropriate. I was not much satisfied in second year too.

But now, after 2 years, finally I am feeling good to be here. Everything is getting wider. The opinions are getting changed. Much to explore now.

The exposure in the KU campus has changed many things to me. Good to be here.

By Shebaz Ahmed

Two Years Experience Of University Life

As everyone knows Karachi University is the biggest university in Asia. That mean it is the best university it mean its environment is also good, it mean the students over here are the best students of Asia as they got chance to be here, it mean the teachers over here are the Awesome teachers from other universities and XYZ. This was My Image till I was not a part of Karachi University.

Now what actually Karachi University is I am going to share it. Form the above lines only one thing is true among all that is Karachi University is the biggest University of Asia. But the environment is like a place that had no Owners it seems. Students…. If I say the students rejected from all other Universities find their place here, it will be correct but just 60% because other 40% make it there 1^st choice.

Coming to the staff.. hmmmm OK no worries truth is truth, teachers here are kids itself. I mean to say moody and short-tempered. Sometimes they are so good like become an angel for a student but sometimes so rude. Not all teacher but almost. Some are really very nice who helps and helps you whenever u wants them. But this is in all Schools, University and college as well.

But me and my friends make everything easy for our self, we don’t take much tension always do our work on time and enjoy every moments. Been in University and been a boy every student is my friend. We use to study, play, eat, smile together always and these things you will only find in Karachi University because it gives you much time to spend on your friends: P to make best memories.  

By M. Azeem

Two Years Experience Of University Life

Going to University is a life changing experience.  The environment necessarily forces the development of the student, their mind, their thoughts, their opinions, who they are.  For some people it may be the first time they live independently.  Whether or not this is their first time, students have to juggle aspects of life such as money, accommodation, health, relationships, family and future career plans.  This can be overwhelming, especially when “life happens” and the unexpected arises.

I experienced that, The friend’s company who help each other, fight with each other but all they became united when any one of them is found in problem, which I experienced these are the only things which make the students happy. By this University life, students get social skills, and even they learn that how to tackle the people, or problems and political issues and the uncontrollable situations of class.

But seriously guys , University life is the life in which a student comes out from their Childhood school and college’s life  & start taking his/her own decisions.

the most difficult time which I experienced is when the administration announces the final date schedule of exams . Mostly students use to tackle this situation by combine study(study with friends)

I am sharing my own experience as i am a student of One of the Biggest  Universities in Pakistan, Karachi University. There i found a trend that all the activities of students freeze when the exam date is announced. University life is unforgettable, memorable because after this life,everybody get busy in his/her own life and their jobs and marriages and nobody get time to meet friends for outing or to enjoy the life with them.

By Sameen Hassan

University of Karachi – A World in Itself

To be honest while coming to Karachi University, I had my doubts. I was brought up in a pampered environment, was driven to and from school, never had to go stand in long queues for forms and fee submission and neither had to face the trauma of ethnic and political clashes. I was overly cautious and exaggeratedly biased in my opinion of Karachi University and the students here. To me they seemed a bunch of aliens ready to swoop anyone who would try and disobey the rules of not wearing a headscarf or dupatta or laugh out loud at awkward jokes or played cricket with the guys of their batch. The thought of coming to Karachi University gave me all sorts of negative vibes.

Having spent two years here, I sit back and laugh at everyone studying in those little campuses in the city. I laugh at those too-hygienic-to-digest cafeterias of the private universities. I mock those sardonic “oh tou ap KU mein parhtay hein” looks of the “assumedly” civilized lot of those beautifully constructed campuses. I literally ridicule the oh-so-educated degree holders of money ridden institutes.

To me the experience of Karachi University has been fulfilling. From those random lifts from Maskan to Pharmacy, to the infamous political clashes on campus, the variety of people to choose from and the diversity of culture and creed within one boundary; from those hours of sitting and chatting at Arts Lobby to the flavored French fries at Visual Studies, the teachers of all kinds: strict and expected and irregular and blase and the  friends and foes to last a life time, University of Karachi has given me a little bit of everything. It has given me a sneak peak to the world in a metropolitan city ahead of me. It has given me confidence to stand distinct amid a crowd and the strength to share my voice with the world. Above all, it has given me memories to cherish a lifetime!

By Rimsa Khan

Two Years Experience of University Life

WORLD UNDER ONE ROOF

A small town full of students, professors and new comers, a life of which I always dream about in school. I can never forget those fearful eyes and high pulse rate when I first stepped in to the building of Mass Communication Department (MCD) now MY DEPARTMENT. Now I am second most senior in this department studying in 3^rd year experienced with life time and yet more to absorb from here. I still remember that first day of my university, I was damn nervous as already I joined 10 days later because I was out of country.

Students joint 10 days before must be good friends of each other I would be left alone in the department probably no one would be there to help me out or be my friend”, so many thoughts were running into my mind when I came first day to university but all of them vanished when I joined the class I found some nice people who helped me and shared their lectures with me also which I missed in the first 10 days of university.

But things changed gradually and those nice people were not nice for long time and unfortunately I left alone again, I was lucky to get more friends and this time they were more nice then the last ones bunch of friends roaming around weekly hangouts and days full of laughter is the common things between friends.

Girls getting ready in washroom, boys playing badminton in department…. celebrating each and every event whether its cricket tournament or student week this campus has given a lot more to me. People says “School life is the best one can never forget the time spent in school”, but university is like second home for me the life here is very different from school and college, teachers and professors here are more professional and informative than in college.

My favorite chocolate cake, lots of balloons,  lovely birthday wishes stunned me at the department that was the most unusual thing which I can never forget about my second home , my surprise birthday party which my friends throw for me last year .

This campus has given a lot to me, I found KARACHI UNIVERSITY as a place where you find yourself here you get the best ways to know our potentials and work measures. This institute is a world under one roof it educates you how you want it’s a small town which includes everything in one roof, I feel proud to say” I am a part of this professional institute.” …… I feel proud to say that “ I am a KU’RIAN “

By Zainab Banu

Two Years Experience of University Life

First day, the feeling was not express able because I do not know where my department….confused Search for our department was not easy task. I could not have clear about university teacher they conduct lectures and giving us handouts, before came university  I thought, I am doing such practical work but completing 4 semester, we are doing only theoretical work.

Making friends in university, the times make memorable. I must think that if we have not such friend how we can survive? One day we all friend make plan to going “sufi” by walk we all are  captures pictures and making fun on that day we are doing such a childish behavior. We drunk Lassi and eating Andaa Phrata. Frize of vitual stadies are all time favorite.

   

Book fair was always encourage me to reading books and  I am not found of  reading but now I m. practical journalism was another interesting class because of our teacher He was amazing even we all memories his stories rather then lectures.

Overall, I having such a beautiful and unforgable memories, experiences and lot more things……..

Memories is a beautiful thing, its all most a desire that you miss. Gustav Flaubert.   

By Fatima Tuz Zehra

Two Years Experience Of University Life

Studying in University of Karachi is a life changing experience for me. Studying at KU for a bachelor's degree opened up many exciting opportunities in the modern world. I personally appreciate the education offered by university because of wide exposure to modern facilities, top rated teachers and various extracurricular activities.

I Started a New phase in my life by starting bachelor's program. now its been two years and these two years are the most amazing and memorable for me because through them I have matured from a girl into a young lady. I also learned priceless lessons and values that have helped make me the person that I am today.

In my two years of university i learn much and got much confident to speak in crowd and to speak with strangers as well. Now i can know about the people that how they are.

Last but not the least I am grateful to my teachers and administration who gave this wonderful opportunity and helped me to build a new platform on the basis which I have found a greater hope for my future

By Haniya Javed

Two Years Experience of University Life

Survival has no real meaning to you until you set your foot on the grounds of Karachi University. You sit through the supposed ‘forty four planned, course lectures’ only to hear tales of someone’s forty-four year old journalism career. You console yourself with ‘okay, it’s just this semester’ only to find someone else ranting about not being given a life on Candy Crush Saga. Seriously, we all are looking for our ‘lost life’.

Twenty minutes have passed and there is no sight of the teacher. You go up to her room, knock on the door, enter and meet levels with droopy eyes. The same eyes. Each time, frowning when interrupted from the blissful sleep. You run to lobby because you are pretty sure your electives would quench your thirst. No, things never cease to surprise you. There is a figure rebuking the ills of the society. Yes, everyone needs an outlet to vent out and what could be better than to have fifty, intent eyes hooked to you and hanging on to your every word. Make the best out of it.

You pass your days laughing at the absurdities because there is no other better coping mechanism. You develop great friendships with your fellow comrades, you eat and laugh some more.

The two years in KU have been a hallmark of patience and few more fits of laughter.

By Nisma Chauhan

Two years Experience of University Life

The tale of 730 days

“University life would be the best of all!”

“It makes your personality…gives you a chance to identify yourself”

Such are the words of wisdom given to everyone stepping into this new phase of life. Our expectations and excitement doubles especially when movies show cliché subjects of university lives.

Yes, theories of juggling with assignments and workload, finding true friends, cruising with them in Ferrari, late night parties and stereotypical love life-the mere sound of all these fascinate us. (Let us not deny it! We have all gone through that phase)

Hold on, did I forget to mention I am going to talk about Karachi University??? I am sure by now; everyone has figured it out because those two words explain a whole story in itself.

So let us start again, juggling with assignments and workload is even out of the question, considering what our teachers actually teach us

.

Cruising with friends in a Ferrari becomes hitch hiking in random strangers cars or walking on foot under an umbrella

.

Late night parties –the only parties we ever do come across are the political ones.

Stereotypical love life- avoiding ‘kewl KUrian bowys’

Only one thing that every university experience makes us gain (I am talking about the majority here) and so has Karachi University given, is a set of true friends, the ones who made this unsatisfactory, boring lectures, empty classes and unknowledgeable 730 days survivable. Phew! Thank God for that!!!!

HI Alert !!!!!

Attention All. Please come to the class on Friday with one front page of any newspaper. If you don't have a newspaper, kindly don't bother to grace the class with your presence. Convey this alert to batchmates in the Urdu section and post a confirmation ASAP. One confirmation would do. Let's see who steps forward.

By Anum Shaharyar

Two Year Experience Of University Life  

The thing about describing a university experience is that you’re both at an advantage and at the same time at a loss. Your advantage comes from the shared experience; a greater percentage of your reader population has probably been, at one time or another, been in a university, and so you have an automatic portion of their feelings, their emotions, their memories clinging to your post. Unfortunately for you, because this experience is so common, it is also hard to say something which hasn't already been said before. Keeping that in mind, here’s how I know how to describe the two years of my life that have been spent gaining a university education:

1.            “Your university life will be the best time of your life.”

2.            “I’m going to University. I’m actually going to start university! This is going to be so exciting!”

3.            “Wow. That’s a lot of new faces. And opinions. People to impress. And weird clothing choices. Also, where the hell is my department again?”

4.            “Well. This isn’t exactly how I imagined it would be.”

5.            “Junk food! And more junk food. I could spend my whole life just eating in this place.”

6.            “Are we lost? I think we’re lost. Let’s ask someone where we are.”

7.            “Did you read the notes? I haven’t even bothered buying them yet.”

8.            “Let’s bunk this class. Someone will mark our attendance for us.”

9.            “Wow, I love this professor!”

10.          “Ugh, I hate this professor.”

11.          “Ugh heat. Ugh late classes. Ugh university.”

12.          “When are the mid terms? How come no one has any idea?”

13.          “Do you have any ideas? I don’t know anything either.”

14.          “Let’s attend this book fair. Let’s not attend that seminar.”

15.          “A bomb went off. There’s a clash going on in the lobby. I think someone died. I heard there’s a protest going on. Classes off tomorrow?”

16.          “What am I doing with my life?”

17.          “I think I’m going to fail this exam.”

18.          “Did anyone check the marks yet? Please, please, just tell me I passed.”

19.          “Oh God. Did you hear the names of the courses we’ve got for the next semester?”

20.          “So. Is your university experience turning out like you thought it would?”

By Urooj Riaz

Two Years Experience of University Life

My two years in University passed?? I can’t believe on it because in university there is much to learn and I think I didn’t learn much till now... Let’s start from 1^st year that was 15 January 2012. In my mind University studies are hard, not hard but should say very hard. I use to listen by my relatives that university life is the life you can spend in your own way... Mean if you want to be in books only... You can easy be with it, but if you want to spend it freely you can spend it... as university is not a school or college that any teacher will hold on you and always be on your head: P

All this was just my thinking. Been in university is not a easy task in your life, you have to be very active to know everything happening there. Like in schools, here you can’t find a friend who will be with you all the time to help you out nor you will have a teacher like had in schools. Here in University everyone gets to know what the life is how to judge a person around, how to behave and to whom to believe and much more.

And when it’s your 2^nd year .You will be much mature to handle every problems, every next person and that’s why like in first year you might have 2, 3 friends... But in 2^nd year every student will be your friend because now everyone knows about most of the things that’s why all use to be nice to every next person of class and same with teachers.

   

What I had learned in my two years is that always do your own work first then should go for anything else because once you take your studies easy... Then hardly can you be honest with it again.

By ADEELA AKMAL

Two Years Experience of University Life

I’ve been looking at Karachi University through my terrace all these years but I didn’t think that one day I’d come here to study.

I didn’t have much of an opinion about it but as my University days neared my expectations went over the roof. I expected all the basic things a university would offer and so much more.

However, when I came here I was thoroughly disillusioned as my expectations lay shattered on the floor.

My woes are endless and if I start listing them, they would end up being a thousand words essay.

All I can say is that, by now I’m used to of most of the things and I somehow survive every day.

I am able to ignore the so-called ‘snide’ comments and bear with the teachers who don’t teach. I have accepted that while I’m here I’d always be greeted with dusty chairs and tables. I won’t be allowed to stroll through the library and look around at books myself.

If there is some paper work that needs to be done, I’d be running around from one corner or the other to get it done and what not.

Anyway, the first impression of this university –very frankly – was pathetic. It’s bearable now but oh well, I hope it gets better.

By Syeda Masooma

Two Years Experience Of University Life

Karachi University is always being famous because of its done free worth, and I always desired to study here.

2012 was the year when Allah fulfilled this desire and I got admission in mass communication department on open merit, being a student of this department it is also very important to be practical in every field and to be aware around yourself.

Before admission, I had negative perception  about this university because of political parties issue and clashes, but after studying here this perception came false to me.

Well the 2 years I spent here were full of experience and joy. This is my advice to study in Karachi University campus and have interaction with experience teachers instead of  wasting thousands of rupees in private universities.

WARNING !!

Whatever happened, folks? I don't see anything happening here. Be a part of this Cirtual Classroom .... or else !!

By Maha Khurshid

Karachi Literature Festival 2014

Sunday started with full of fun. I was exited to go to the 5^th edition of Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) begins in Karachi at Beach Luxury Hotel till February 9^th. I reached there with my friends.

One of the most delightful aspects of the festival was that book readers representing a wide cross section of society visit it. This open-to-all festival and it also had a book fair which offered books at discounted prices.

Sessions that I attended was Writing history were held in Aquarius Room and Book Launching were held in 007 Room, Ali Akbar Natiq moderated the launch of ‘Urdu Afsanay’ by Hasan Manzar. Masood Ashar and Arfa Sayeda Zehra was the fellow panelist. Hasan Manzar is a very sophisticated personality. This is what makes his novels interesting to look for.

Another book launch started in the same session Anwer Sen Roy moderated the launch of ‘Zahid Aur Dau Kahanian’ by Julien Columeau. Poet Afzal Ahmed Syed was the fellow panelist.

My astonishment increased by Julien Columeau. He is a French man and I feel that he speaks urdu as 1^st language. The most interesting thing about the session was that I and my friends were the youngest people who attended this session.

Over all I learned a lot from all these session. Even I have seen the puppet shows, eat food & cold drink. I was glad and surprised too, to saw that dustbin was actually used.

I clicked photographs with my friends for our memories that how I made my day worthy. The event was full of colours. The KLF provides an opportunity to showcase Pakistan as a country rich in culture and creativity and is a reflection of the country’s historical roots as expressed in a multiplicity of languages.

That's how exciting the KLF can get and in the larger scheme of things, the story of the festival was one that should be told with a fair degree of pride and conviction. Although it was a nice experience and these should be organized frequently.

By Hunaina Israr

It's all about literature......

My fast running busy life says that literature is not my word. Even its not only about me most of our youth don't want to spend their time by reading books out of their course because of advancement in technologies, But at the same time i cannot deny with the importance of literature, books,  because it is  a way to creativity.

And to promote the importance of literature and to change the idea of word literature, an event KARACHI LITERATURE FESTIVAL was organized at luxury beech hotel form 7th till 9th Feb. It was not just an event but also a world of imagination ,ideas,creativity for one to enjoy by gaining knowledge and motivation at the same time.

Well known guests, speaker ,writers ,professors like SARMAT KHOOSAT,ASMA JAHANGIR,SHEHZAD ROY, HUMAIR ISTIAQ and many more people were present thier to enjoy the event as well as to encourage our nation

 Sessions on Mushaira,Importance of school libraries,state school reform, Memories and imagination,Geo politics,literature and music,human rights,identity and literature, concerts,debates, threatres like Ali baba chalees chor,overview on famous novels much much more was organized to tell that literature is just not a pieces of paper but it was our history,our present and way to future..

Embarrassing fact that faisal mushtaq stated " The only book we have been commanded to read we don't read but the only book we read is Facebook" further he said to  motivate "Reading is not a supplement part of life but an integral part of life"

Furthermore most attracted lines by the most valuable person Shehzad Roy said"Education reforms cannot take place without public private partnership, cooperation needed".

Each session on each day attracted people so  much that they suely came out with a new enthusiasm included me,

people who missed the event should feel regret and people who attended felt that this country just not surrounds within politics but also their are people who wants "Parha likha Pakistan"

At the end this event broadens my idea of literature. "Literature is not about to read books only, It tells everything around us"

By FATIMA TUZ ZEHRA

KLF 2014


Earlier this month KFL organized an event that allowed the people of Karachi to come out and enjoy literature for what it is. This is the fifth time KFL had brought the literature expo to Karachi and it was jam packed with riveting segments throughout its three day visit. 

Mainly there were 34 international authors there then on top of that there were 180 Pakistani authors, poets, and celebrities who honored the expo with their presence. On the third day the Grandson of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi launched his book for the public at the event itself.

That signifies that this group has so much influence and give people so much happiness that one of the most historical figures of society today had chosen an event to launch their own book to the public. The was one event that took place that really made eyes turn and it was in the Thespianz theater.

Mohammad Hanif came to speak about his life and his book. What we learned is that the is a third on the way from which the two he had written that were so good. The best part of the award winning author is that he was so humble with the public and answered any and all questions without a worry in the world. He was one of the best autos the to do this and act the way he did. 

All in all this event was great and we all hope they return again next year so that the readers of Pakistan can have a chance to meet the authors of the books that they read.

By Sumera Andlib

KARACHI LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2014

We were assigned to attend 5^th Karachi Literature Festival and produce a comprehensive report. We made a group of three girls to attend the Event in which we tried to cover up all the Important.

The Main hall was fabulously decorated, perfectly matching the theme of this event. The Event was on International scale foreign delegations were also invited to enrich the event with their presence and contributions. The Sessions were held in AQURIUS ROOM, these sessions were about the writing history. The basic concept of storing and safeguarding this literature throughout the history was to give awareness to next generations about the past; this job was performed by the top most sophisticated authors present in the town under the roof of Beach Luxury Hotel. The Speakers of these sessions were very well known authors and Scholars Namely Hamida Khuhro, Mubarak Ali, Mashirul Hasan, and Ismat Riaz. These were the people who illuminated the hall with their valued speeches and remarks.

There was also a Book Launching Ceremony Mr. Ali Akber Natiq moderated the Launch of “INTEKHAB” by Mr. Hassan Manzar.

At the end of these sessions we recorded this event in the form of group photographs for our memories of attending this outstanding opportunity for gaining such vast knowledge.

In the Garden area there were dancer performers entertaining the audience, Food Corners, Huge Book Fair and Puppet Shows were also organizes for the visitors.

This event was worth spending time on; such events should be organized frequently to promote our society and literature treasury. 

By RIDA HUSSAIN

The world of literature-Karachi literature festival

Besides the bank of Kemari port, Karachi city at beach luxury hotel hosted its 5^th annual Karachi literature festival.

The three day festival accommodated an overwhelming number of visitors each of its day. The literature worlds set at the beach luxury hotel featured various book launching ceremonies for book lovers each day. Whereas the presence of the celebrity guests such as Samina Ejaz , Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, Bushra Ansari added an extra flavor of charm to the festival attracting huge listeners.

I personally enjoyed the in -conversation session with the Uzma Aslam khan based on her recent best-selling novel “thinner than skin” which has also been selected for the Man Asian literay prize. Thus the conversation of 60 minutes acknowledged me about the magnificent work our Pakistani writers are doing at the international level representing yet also raising the voice for Pakistan through their refined and pure art of “writing” such as the letter to Obama in 2008 and the article on condemning the killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat.

If asked to compress the whole new experience into words it was yet another exhilarating experience in my life to get more acquaintance with every expressions of literature be it -the charisma of performing arts or the written masterpieces by various writers.

By Mahjabeen

A day in #KLF

The other day, our respected teacher gave us the assignment to attend a day of 5^th Karachi literature Festival and write a report on it. To be honest, I had never been into a Litfest ever (My bad, I know) thus I didn’t know how these kind of festivals are like! But now, a day in KLF has changed things forever.

 I do read books but not frequently, but after attending those intellectual sessions under the command of such high profile speakers, the interest in literature has started to flourish in me. Feels good!

KLF was one of the amazing festivals I have even been into, very well organized with rational environment, everything seemed perfect. At first, i got a bit confuse where to go first, what to attend. But then I went on with the flow. Took different sessions, visited book stalls, bought books of my interest, enjoyed puppet show and concert and tucked into the Dominoes. What a day it was. Simply Perfect! And I have decided to volunteer in it next year, InshaAllah.

Way to Go, Team #KLF!

By Haniya Javed

KLF-The Rare findings

And so, we finally made it to KLF after many subsequent dramas on the streets only to rush to the restroom to pull ourselves together for a close-to-intellectual -people-look. But what did we witness there? A queue! Yes, people standing in a queue waiting for their turns. Seriously, from where did all this patience and discipline descend upon in Karachi?

Then, moving towards the halls of sessions, some excited, pot-bellied aunty whizzed past making us stop dead in our tracks only to turn back and say, “Sorry, dear!” and off she went. Someone just apologized. Weird.

Then we went for snacks. The highlight of the snack round was the person at the coffee stand.

 “Frozen Cappuccino for you, ma’am,” came the voice every now and then in a highly accentuated-accent. It was later-after many repeated, fan-driven visits to the same stand-we figured that the person was caught up in the literary air around him.

And then, the realization finally hit us that it was normal here for random strangers to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to equally random fellow strangers. So, when we made the final trip to the rest room on the third day of KLF, the queue was still there.

Hopefully, we’ll get to see many such three-days of civilization in the years to come.

By JavEria Siddiqui

BURGERS, SHOCK AND ME!!!

Oh! It was shocking!!! Shocking to be at “FIFHT” Karachi Literature Festival (klf), shocking to see the crowd, actually I was shocked to see so many people attending klf …really??Is it a city of that much literate people??

Let it be, however the festival itself was so informative, sessions were really cool and the speakers… OMG! They were the masters of their fields. Seriously hats off to Oxford for organizing such an extra ordinary event in Karachi Pakistan considering the law and order situations.

As a nation we should be thankful to the guest speakers also who came all the way from other countries just for the festival, for literature, for the people of Pakistan. Knowing that there life is at stake what? Am I being rude? Accept it…its how it is in here.

Well the crowd there was sober and quiet, personally I belong to a middle class family and we middle class are very noisy people but the gentry at klf was not much talkative except for the speakers (they were forced to speak). Anyhow I guess they were elites (exceptions are always there like me) so they don’t make much noise, they just don’t have to make noise like us they get their rights without it (most of the times).

Crowd was calm even during the dance performances which were shocking again….how come if some group is dancing along with a “girl” and no one is hooting, no one doing bhangra or no CHICHORAPAN???

At times I was forced to think that these are the real Karachiites na?? These are the same people who mix biryani with zardah and haleem with jaleebi?? And to my great surprise they were the real Burgers not the usual “bun kababs”. 

• By Rimsa Khan

• Karachi literature festival

  
  

  Three jam-packed days devoted to writing, to literature and to everything else in between. A festival not just of books, but of thoughts and ideas, with the space for diverse opinions to be held and expressed, and respected by all. KLF is promoting the real image of Pakistan in the country as well as internationally. The event that drew a crowd, from all walks of life. They subscribed to different religions and sectarian beliefs. The entry to the event was free for everyone.
• There are a lot of people out there talking about the 5th Karachi Literature Festival in their blogs. Reading some of them will give you good idea while some will filled with useless rubbish. Let me share my experience with you about KLF.
• I had a great time at the Karachi Literature Festival this year. I remember when it was started in 2010 and there were only 50 speakers over 2 days at the Carlton Hotel with two sessions running at the same time. But in 5th KLF, there were around 250 speakers, 3 days conferences, seven concurrent sessions and more than 70,000 visitors. I would call it a major success.
• This year panels were much more interesting. On Sunday 9th Feb, I took part in some sessions. But the most exclusive session that I attend was with Mohammad Hanif, which was moderated by Aliya Iqbal Naqvi. I have heard a lot about Mohammad Hanif, but never got a chance to meet him, but KLF is the best opportunity for me. In the session, Mohd Hanif spoke about his writing styles and the struggles he faced in his life.
• People asked a lot of questions about his novels as well as his personal life but I must say he was earthy and extremely funny while handling the questions. The most touching moment for me was when he quote that: “Karachi is a difficult city to live in, which makes it a very easy city to write about”. I must say, each year, the speakers have been outstanding. Another amazing feature of KLF was the performance by THE SPIANZ THEATER which was organized by oxford university press.
• This year’s festival was the most mature and powerful but I also noticed a lot of negative comments about KLF on Twitter and Facebook. This is a shame, because KLF is one thing that promotes a very positive image of Pakistan in the world. Why we Pakistani’s don’t realize that it takes a year of hard work to put this festival together but only few comments to tear it down. It shows that how small minded and jealous we are about something which is a positive experience for our country.
• All in all, a fantastic experience, it was a huge success and the chance for me to meet with Mohd Hanif. May it be even better next year.

By Zainab Bano

Karachi Literature Festival 2014

“Different idea and assessments emerged in every session. In a gathering of such minds, the quality of discourse is sure to be high,” said by ghazi salaudin in The News.

Karachi literature festival and Islamabad literature festival both are most successful literature festival across the country. KLF was happing again this year at Beech Luxury Hotel. This annual festival have free and  open to every one.

Literature festival is organized by Oxford university press. Oxford university press is a department of the university of Oxford and objective of excellence in research, scholarship and education by publishing worldwide.

The speakers are outstanding and sessions are very knowledgeable for audiences. I attend the session of Ali Sethi. He was studied at Harvard university and write two books. The session was “Literature and Music in Pakistan.” We was live in Lahore.

And the launching for the book of Ali sethi title “The Scatter is too Great.”  This was the second book of Ali. Sarmad Khusa has been attending another interesting debate.

However, the first kind of festival that bring together and celebrates authors writing in diverse languages, and traditions. They feature debates, discussion, lectures, a book fair book launching and more.

By Nisma Chauhan

                             Finally There

Finally after all the whining and tantrums I threw for over two years about not wanting to attend, there I was standing in the Beach Luxury Hotel, ogling at the oh-so-famous and happening Karachi Literature festival.

Books and literature are not my cup of tea but this time around I had to attend because it was special; a big day for a very close friend of mine and I hate to admit but I was glad I did. The sessions which were not so literary were mind capturing, film screening of our very own Oscar winner and meeting the finest of the media industry was once in a life time opportunity and God do I have to admit, these actors are much better looking in person than they appear on TV. TV does no justice to them!

So would I be attending it again? Yes! If not for all the good looking celebrities and the amazing sessions, then definitely for the world’s best frozen cappuccino.  

By Najia Nazai

                                         KLF 2014

I used to think that a book fairs is so boring, so I never made my mind to visit it, but last Thursday we were given an assignment by our teacher to write a news story on KLF.

KLF, Karachi literature festival, a book fair….. when I got to know this ,I really didn’t want to visit there  because of my mind set about the book fair, but for assignment I have to visit there keeping my all mind set beside. 

Then along with my friends, i have made a plan to visit there on Saturday together as it was far from our residents.

The shifting of venue, from the far-off Carlton Hotel to a Beach Luxury Hotel was also a happy change. Contrary to the fears aired by the sceptics, the traffic arrangements, including car parking, were commendable.

After a long series of cancelation of our plan, finally we have decided to go on Sunday.

We reached there at about 11a.m. when I visit there I have realized that it’s not just a book fair  

It is a literature festival that brings together and celebrates Pakistani and international authors writing in diverse languages. It features creative writing workshops, debates, discussions, lectures, mushairah, book launches, readings and singings these activities changed my mind.

The members of the managing committee proved to be inspired and tireless as in the past, and the hotel management, from the owners to the workers, were on their toes.

  From a plenty of sessions I have decided to attend the session on “Drama and the small screen” as I found it interesting. It enlightened the pros and cons in TV dramas.

The panelists were Haseena Moin, Attiya Dawood ,Seema Taher Khan ,Sultana Siddiqui, Shakeel and Sarmad Khoosat was the moderator .

 Sultana Siddiqui and Seema Taher Khan who favored an optimistic overview of TV dramas, while scriptwriters Hasina Moin, Attiya Dawood and actor Shakeel complained towards the declining standards of the small screen.

I have found a whole debate much fascinating and factual as TV dramas are now giving competition to talk shows. It is a huge achievement that despite of huge number of channels the public can still recall names of actors and dramas.

Overall it was a great experience there was a lot to learned. You must visit the events you regret because of your stereotypical thinking as sometimes it modify your mentality.

By Adeela Akmal

                                MY FIRST EVER KLF

I heard about KLF last year, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go. So this year around I was waiting for it impatiently. Lucky for me, our teacher assigned us a paper regarding KLF’14. It meant that it was imperative to go there, no excuses. Yay for me!

However, I couldn’t get the full-fledged experience that I hoped for. Boohoo for me!

I went on the third day of the festival, an early Sunday morning, at the Beach Luxury Hotel. The traffic was clear and my khalu drove fast enough to drop me off 10 am, on the dot.

I attended three back-to-back sessions. ‘Karachi: From Stone age to Cyber age’, ‘Breaking the Gender Walls’ and ‘Drama and the Small Screen’.  Out of which the third one was my favourite.

While my mother, khala, khalu, mamoo and cousin enjoyed a halwa puri breakfast, I on an empty stomach ended up having an Rs 200 coffee and a bite out my friend’s cookie. Also, I had to leave right after the third session because everyone was whining about getting home.

I couldn’t get to the books or even have a good look at the sea and I had to leave.

Not exactly the KLF experience I wanted, but then again, something better than nothing. Better luck next time, I guess.

By Anum Shaharyar

Karachi Literature Festival

There were books there. And authors. And books. And journalists and celebrities and world renowned writers. And books. Also food. And cute boys. Did i mention books?

That’s pretty much the gist of the Karachi Literature of Festival. But words, in the case of most things that matter more and are bigger than the nouns and verbs that define them, are not appropriate enough to describe what an experience it is.

I loved KLF, purely because there, in that world, being a book worm is a compliment. No one judges you because you read too much. In fact, its pretty much a compliment of the highest order.

So I’m going again next year. And the next. And the one after that. With fingers crossed that there are no bombs, no guns, no sudden and unexpected strikes, and please for God’s sake, someone get me a car so I don’t have to beg people to take me. That’s all I’m asking. That, and more books than I can read in a lifetime.

By UROOJ RIAZ

OVERVIEW OF KLF  2014

THE 7TH FEB OF 2014 ENLIGHTENED THE BEACH LUXURY HOTEL KARACHI WITH THE SOME GREAT WRITTEN WORDS ,ESPECIALLY THOSE CONSIDERED OF SUPERIOR OR LASTING ARTISTIC MERIT .    THIS FESTIVAL AGAIN PROVED ITS WORTH IN BRINGING THE WHOLE WORLD’S LITERATURE UNDER ONE ROOF  . IT ALLOWED ALL THE AUTHORS , SPEAKERS, SCRIPT WRITERS, POETS , ACTORS AND MANY MORE PROFESSIONS TO COME TOGETHER AND SPREAD AND EXCHANGE THE LITERATURE.

IT STARTED OFF ON THE 7TH OF FEB.IT WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY THE SOME TRULY INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS’ SPEECHES AND THE SOUL TAKING POETS’ POETRY WHICH SURELY WAS LIKE THE SEA OF LITERATURE TO THE NEW GENERATION.THERE WAS ALSO A BOOK LAUNCH SESSION WHICH BRING SOME GREAT WRITTEN WORKS ON THE FORUM.THE FIRST DAY ALSO INCLUDED THE MUSIC PART WHICH MADE THE AIR LIGHT .

THE NEXT WAS SOMEWHAT MORE INSPIRING AS IT INCLUDED THE DRAMATIC WAY TO PROVE THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE FOR UPCOMING GENERATION. THE DAY INCLUDED SPEECHES,DRAMATICS, BOOK LAUNCHING, SUFI POETRY AND MANY MORE.THIS DAY ALSO TROWED THE LIGHT ON THE CURRENT PAKISTANI AFFAIRS LIKE WAR ON TERRORISM.

THE LAST DAY WAS SOMEWHAT MORE COLORFUL AS IT INCLUDED THE LITERARY PART AS WELL AS THE CLOSING CEREMONY. THE MAIN PART TO BO CONSIDERED ABOUT THE CLOSING CEREMONY EACH THE CLOSING SPEECH  BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE EVENT AAMINA SAEED.                                          

THE MOST EN-JOYOUS PART WAS THE END WHICH WAS DONE BY THE CONCERT OF “LAAL”.

By MIDRA HAMDANI

Karachi Literature Festival 2014: 

LITRATURE SPREADS THE COLOUR OF WORDS  AND KNOWLEDGE

One of the best pictures from   KLF to show people of city of lights enjoyed the event …. Including writers and professor like Mr. humair ishtiak.

 The 5th Karachi Literature Festival held from 7th till 9th February at the Beach Luxury Hotel starts with the NATIONAL ANTHEM. Where Oxford press and others organized such an amazing Literature festival, where I have to say it was a “festival of different ideas merged together and with the magic of thoughts people of Karachi start to walk and talk about literature.”

 A great approach to rejuvenate the literature of the country and promote it within the Pakistani population. I really felt the buzz, magic and the desire to talk about what is going to be happened in the future with Pakistani literature and culture.

I glad to say that ALAS! We found new ways to teach our new generation with different segments, Urdu dramas and traditional stories like “ALI BABA CHALEES CHOR”   which involve the people of all ages. The literature festival which began in city of Karachi 5 years ago and made the attention of writers to write more and to express the realities of defining literature is not really an easy job. The stage also occupied SHAHZAD ROYS voice and puppet show by Ritz Theatre. Writing, reading and painting competitions also brought stars in the event although debates, discussions, lectures, mushairah, a book fair, book launches, readings comedy, satire and more were the glimpse of the festival. 

It concluded with the closing ceremony and speech. As It was a complete festival for joy and learning .Some best ways of festival involves the re-opening of the British Council Library which will help the new generation to think with new ways.