• Concerns of the Writers for Peace and Coexistence in the
Region.
• Common Cultural Roots of the Seven SAARC Nations, Lying
Intertwined in the Folklore and Folksongs of the Region
• Politics,
Conflict, and Creativity: Relevance of Writers in the Present
Strife-Torn World.
Reflecting on their first-hand personal and
historical experiences, participants questioned the motives of violence
and tried to examine the diverse ways in which men and women view
violence, and provided inputs on what constitutes violence. Is it the
continuation of our tribal mindset ? Or of feudal instincts ? Or, has
mankind invented more sophisticated deadly weapons only to destroy and
kill whosoever thinks, feels, acts differently ?
The participants
discussed the role of writers in this strife-torn world, and the impact
of writings on politics, conflict situations and society, with a view to
ultimately unfolding the process of truth and reconciliation, peaceful
coexistence and mutual tolerance. Samples:
Ms. Habeeba Hussain
Habeeb, an eminent Maldivian poet, stated that folk-tales and folklore
should be accorded significance as these projected the customs and
traditions of ancient societies.
|
Mr. Ahmad
Zahir, Hon’ble Minister of Justice, Maldives, said that such conferences
are highly significant for finding a culture of exchange of creativity in
the region. He applauded Ms. Ajeet Cour for her dedication to the cause of
promoting ‘a civilisational dialogue’ and expressed his gratitude to her
for choosing Maldives as a destination for the conference.
Mr. Abbas
Ibrahim said that the Maldivian people always welcomed such initiatives as
undertaken by FOSWAL as it resulted in enhanced understanding of the
age-old historical and cultural links among the people of the
region.
Ms. Yumna, daughter of the President of Maldives and a scholar
in her own right, said the SAARC Writers Conference being held in Maldives
had provided an oportunity to the lesser known Maldivian writers,
particularly women writers, to be heard and to have had the occasion of
interacting with the eminent writers from all SAARC countries.
Mr.
Ahmad Shakir, an eminent writer and Chairman of the Maldivian Chapter /
National Centre of Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature, highlighted
the need for enhancing social, economic and cultureal ties which bound
countries of the region together. |
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