Fostering National Unity through Literature
Pakistan,
the land of the pure, has always had the voices of dissent but recently these
have gained the monstrous shape of disintegration voices which can be quelled
if the national unity could be achieved to the extent that each Pakistani would
be proud of being Pakistani. This is even now possible by invoking and
addressing diverse, cultural ethnic, linguistic issues. Of course, these
efforts have been in place, but the area of literature has been deficient in
its befitting role. The rich tapestry of literary wealth has not been fully
tapped that it may become a catalyst in promoting unity across Pakistan. The
diversity of its people affords the similar diversity in literature, not only
in terms of genre but also in terms of style and language. Each area of
Pakistan is rich in its diverse literature which has been dynamic, evolving and
representing the sociocultural dynamics of the communities. The enemies of
Pakistan are making attempts on suppressing the spirits of our people by
claiming and propagating absence of literary tradition. The need of the hour is
to counter such activities by utilizing the literary arena.
The
rich and powerful tool for developing and sustaining unity among Pakistanis
must be utilized to secure internal peace and elimination of external threats. Firstly,
translation of literatures from each part of Pakistan into national language
may be done so that it may be understandable to the readers in every part of
Pakistan. These translations may be made available to the public as well at
school libraries. At least one such translated piece of literature must be made
mandatory to pass the final term at almost all levels. In this regard those
pieces of literature should be preferred that help spread empathy, tolerance
and positivity among the readers. This translation must include children’s
literature and may be shared with almost all the primary level schools so that
our next generation may have a good idea and acquaintance with their fellow
children throughout the country. Not only the available literatures may be made
employed in this way but also new creative writings may be encouraged at the
level of government, especially which help link up culturally and socially. But
while writing literature about multiple parts and people of Pakistan, the writers
can attempt to engage with positivity and constructively healthy attitude,
instead of spreading negativity or unhealthy attitudes.
Thirdly,
the frequency of literary festivals must be increased for an increased number
of people. In such festivals, the students at the universities must be directed
to participate and interpret their culture and life style by manifesting and
projecting themes of their styles. These young students may provide evidence of
the unity that existed among the people of Pakistan. These students must also
help learn a few of the names, titles, or places and persons in one another’s
language to develop affinity among the multiple groups and ethnicities. In
fact, these festivals should become flourishing grounds for healthy debate and
dialogue. These dialogues would provide opportunities for voicing the opinion which
otherwise would go unheard and unnoticed.
Fourthly,
our politicians can play an effective role in popularizing these literatures
among the people. They may include quotes from famous literary people of their
areas and spread a message of love and sympathy. Politicians, instead of
dividing the people for their personal gains, must come forward to achieve national
goals for national unity. They may promote unity at the national level instead
of regional or provincial level. The music used in the political gatherings
must be reflective of our desires for sustainable unity and progress.
Fifthly,
the famous songs with audio and visual formats must be made popular by translating
them into other languages of the country and sometime singing the translation
with the same tune may also work wonders. Such literary diversions should be
made part of the national curriculum to promote affinities among the groups of
the people. Popular events of multiple communities must be filmed and
documented to be shared with the people of all areas of Pakistan. These and many
others must be taken to ensure national unity among the people of Pakistan.
