KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Hundreds of poets and culturists from different provinces of the country participated in the Anar Gul poetry session in southern Kandahar province, organisers said on Monday.
The Anar Gul (Pomegranate Flower) poetry session began at 10pm (Sunday night) and continued till 3am. The governor, lawmakers and other officials spoke at the start of the lively session.
Governor Zalmai Wesa said he saw the poetry session as a good omen for his assignment as provincial chief executive. Traditional literary gatherings and meetings offered a good opportunity to exchange views, he said.
Information and Culture Director Hazrat Wali Hotak read out a message from the minister of information. Afghanistan had a global reputation for its rich culture, he quoted the minister as saying.
The masses were urged to support the government in protecting this culture. The minister said traditional poetry programmes and meetings connected different groups of society, enlightened the rising generation and played an important role in intellectual development.
Police chief, Gen. Abdur Raziq, said such programmes were important for enlightening people’s minds, particularly youths’ way of thinking.
“Afghans have suffered a lot of pain but we are trying to save our future generations such anguish and enable them to live peacefully in an educated society,” he added.
Several poets presented their works, encouraging people to forge unity and work for peace and amity. Music was part of the event, with local singer Najibullah Sharif singing lively songs and poems.
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