Cultural heritage identity of nations

The preservation of intellectual and cultural heritage is a mark of living nations that are concerned about their identity. This was stated by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi on Friday as she addressed the two-day 19th National Conference titled ‘The Cultural and Intellectual Heritage of Pakistan’. The event is organised by the Department of Library Science and Information in collaboration with the Pakistan Library Association “Our dilemma is that we are not aware of the history of our cultural identity and are unable to preserve our cultural and intellectual heritage. If it is preserved somewhere it is not accessible to our students and educational and research institutes. In this regard, we have to deal with a huge challenge, the challenge of stimulating our young minds towards creativity and innovation,” Dr Kazmi said. Dr Manzoor Ahmed, Javed Jabbar and the Chairperson of the Department of Library and Information Science, Dr Malahat Kaleem Sherwani also addressed the conference. Uxzi Mufti, a specialist in the preservation of folk and traditional cultures of Pakistan, said that Pakistan has an oral tradition. “The history of its tradition has never been written, but this tradition is very vivid and alive because there is no use of preserving the cultural heritage and keeping it in on an old shelf. Since it is oral, it is transferred from generation to generation,” Mufti said. The chair of the first session, Mehtab Akbar Rashidi, in her speech said, “We are in a state of self denial because we run after what is not our reality. We resist understanding and accepting our culture. Languages and traditions have no animosity with other languages and traditions as these are our personal grudges and concerns that create trouble. Change is the only constant thing in the world.” Imran Pirzada and Durriya Kazi also shared their views on the occasion. “We are trapped in a scenario where there is no room for self respect. We have a rich and diverse culture and support at the government level may also help in this regard,” they said.