• Presentation of their latest creative works by writers and poets and discussion by scholars and literary critics on the issues and problems related to the emergence of a common SAARC literary identity;
• Visit to Bhaktapur, Patan, Patan Museum and Pashupatinath Temple to savour the historical/ cultural heritage of the Himalayan kingdom;
• Young Poets Meet; and
• Valedictory Session

HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• The Fifth SAARC Writers Conference organized by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) was a unique cultural event of the region. While it was ‘localised’ in Kathmandu, its reverberations and under-currents were felt all over the seven sister-countries of the SAARC fraternity. The highlights of this highly successful mega event could be encapsulated thus:
The Conference had the contours of a mega cultural event in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Considering its potential for focusing on Nepal’s culture and literature and its connectivity with the countries of the SAARC region, the event was given all help and encouragement by the highest echelons of power in Nepal. His Majesty’s Government of Nepal declared it as an official event under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Prime Minister of Nepal. The Hon’ble Prime Minister also inaugurated the Conference and spent a lot of time interacting with the delegates despite his heavy schedule of work.
• The SAARC Secretariat based in Kathmandu, which has already recognised FOSWAL as a SAARC Recognised Body, gave full moral support to the holding of the conference. This was amply reflected in the presence of Mr. Q.A.M.A. Rahim, Secretary-General, SAARC who cancelled his Islamabad trip to be present in Kathmandu to participate in the Conference. Mr. Rahim’s spirited address in the Inaugural Session and the long time he spent in interacting with the writers of the region added considerable weight to its proceedings.