Karachi: The Pakistan Learning Festival 2023 (PLF) continued its journey of enlightenment and education here earlier today, on its second and last day of the festival, leaving attendees a lot more aware and knowledgeable for having participated in it. Taking place at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the event offered a plethora of engaging activities and enriching experiences that are sure to have left a lasting impact.
Day Two of the Pakistan Learning Festival featured an array of remarkable events and sessions, as the day began with a commitment to environmental stewardship, and attendees gathered for “Plant a Tree for Climate-Change Action.” The event highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.
Highlights from day two of Pakistan Learning Festival 2023 included numerous riveting sessions of “Suno Kahani Meri Zubani” featuring Churail as depicted by the hugely talented Sadia Sarmad. There was an insightful session and presentation titled “Hum Hero Hein Hum Baa Ikhtiaar Hein,” which focused on the importance of lifelong learning, life skills, and livelihoods by UNICEF.
Renowned theatre actors Khaled Anam and Raheela Baqai of OUP shared their passion for books and the world of storytelling in “Reading is Dreaming.” This session celebrated the power of literature and the written word. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop led by Salma Habib and the creative team from Ulta Pulta Art, including Zheela Ali.
Tehrik-e-Niswan presented “Hamara Karachi,” an artistic expression of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Tina Sani’s conversation with students and Khursheed Hyder gave a rare insight into the life and thoughts of the renowned singer while Ayla Raza of All Pakistan Music Conference held a spellbinding and enlightening musical session Sur, Taal Aur Hum which kept the adults as enthralled as the students. Misha Khan Chahudary explored the intersection of sustainability and medical science, while Sara Danial redefined playtime with screen-free adventures for children.
A panel discussion, featuring Imran Azhar, Rumana Husain, and Saleem Mughal with Afia Salam as the moderator, focused on mobilizing superheroes for climate change in emergencies. Another riveting session earlier in the day was conducted by Amna Husain on Fun with Numbers where she shared creative ways of using numbers to read time and to do multiplication.
The Pakistan Learning Festival also featured captivating screenings as part of its diverse program. SOC Films, led by the renowned filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, presented the thought-provoking “Museum of Food and Climate Change.” Additionally, the festival hosted a screening of “The Silence After the Storm” by Alina Rizwan, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with compelling visual narratives that explored important themes. The Dawood Foundation Nature Series was yet another highlight of the festival, enriching the experience for all attendees.
Throughout the day, a wide array of activities and workshops took place, ranging from inclusive arts and crafts, stories of peace, love, and tolerance, to engaging sessions on subjects like the impact of leather, climate change, and the love of books. Children had the time of their lives, enthusiastically participating in activities such as origami, painting, and coloring. The Learning Enclave offered STEAM and digital inclusive learning opportunities, including science shows, interactive learning stalls, and safety sessions.
In conclusion, PLF Karachi 2023 served as a platform for fostering knowledge, promoting awareness, and nurturing a sense of curiosity and exploration. The collective efforts of sponsors, resource persons, volunteers, and advisors, along with the active participation of all attendees, contributed to the festival’s overall success. It left an indelible mark on our journey towards a more enlightened and culturally enriched society. We look forward to future editions of the Pakistan Learning Festival, each promising to be an even more remarkable celebration of learning, growth, and unity.
