.. celebrated Pashto Day with cultural

celebrated Pashto Day with cultural vervour PESHAWAR: Pashto Literary Society of the Khyber Medical College) KMC), Peshawar celebrated Pashto Day as part of its annual literary week here on Wednesday. Speaking as guest of honour Brian Fulghum Director of Personnel (RTG International –Pvt) said that he had selected research on Pashtun culture and history for his study and came to Pakistan in 2002, learnt Pashto language and literature and found Pashtuns very interesting and genuine. He added that he went through the chequered history of Pashtuns and came to the conclusion that they enjoyed golden traditions, excellent social norms and the best folk literature that bespoke Pashtun’s liberalism, love for nature, gallantry and sublime poetry. Brain Fulghum alias Essa Ibrahim was of the view that Pashtuns had been very different from what they are today arguing that change was inevitable and every culture should bring about a remarkable change in its general outlook in order to cope with the rapidly changing geopolitical scenario. “During my study I came across numerous interesting incidents regarding Pashtun’s origin. One theory says that they have been originated from an Israeli tribe. Among many traditions of Pashtun I admire hospitality, mutual harmony and their peace loving nature. I like Rahman Baba’s poetry and also have read some modern poets,” he observed. Brain Fulghum has received a diploma in anthropology with special emphasis on Pashtun’s cultural history. The participants gave him a standing ovation when he made his speech in Pashto and also answered some queries put him by the compere of the prgoramme. Abaseen Yousafzai addressing as chief guest on the occasion appreciated the organizers of the KMC Pashto Day and stressed that the youngsters should remain committed to their true cultural and social traditions. “Our past is a precious asset for us. Losing contact with it is tantamount to losing our collective memory. A brave nation like Pashtuns cannot forget about its golden traditions. Pashtuns have always inflicted a crushing defeat on the invaders. So Called Alexander the Great when came to Dir, Talash he was badly hit on his leg whereby for the first time he realized that he was a human being as he had felt the severe pain of his wound before that he had presumed that he was god or a superhuman being.” Earlier an impressive documentary movie ‘ The Pathans’ was shown to the audience opening with the arrival of the British troops on their land in 1839 then Pakistani period started when it broke into two parts in 1971 due to the Indian conspiracy. The movie showed that Pashtuns fought on every front be it Kashmir or Kargil and finally they avenged the debacle of 1971 and a brave Pashtun soldier Karnal Sher Khan emerged victorious by sacrificing his life. It was followed by a Pashto poetry recital competition in which KMC students Mohammad Shabbir, Imranuddin, Zohra Amin Qazi, Farman Marwat Mashal, Saud Islam Malik. Jahangir Sahil Banagsh, Mohammad Ashfaq, Mian Rizwanul Wahab, Rafiullah and Ehsan Ali participated. Saud Islam, Mohammad Ashfaq and Ehsan Ali stood first, second and third respectively. A quiz competition among students of first, second, third and final year was also held regarding Pashtun culture and folklore, which was won by final year students. Popular humorous guest poet Zafar Khan Zafar rolled the audience by reading out his hilarious haikus and received great applause from them. Prof Dr Fazal Ahmed principal KMC and Chairman Pashto literary Society Prof Dr Jamilur Rahman distributed shields and college souvenirs among the winning students and guests. It is pertinent to mention that the stage was decorated with beautiful cultural items of a typical Pashtun hujra and home.Khyber Watch - بېرته شاته