15th ‘Aalmi Urdu Conference’ 2022 – Day 01.

Inaugural session of 15^th Aalmi Urdu Conference got-underway last Thursday 01^st December 2022 precisely at 03:30 PM at Main Auditorium of Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.

At this inaugural session, President Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi, Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Shah in his welcome address welcomed all the dignitaries, intellectuals, writers, artists, musicians, visitors, press, local and foreign guests attending this 15^th Aalmi Urdu Conference 2022. He hoped that all present would enjoy this Urdu Conference and may take back fond memories from it.

After welcome speech two key-note speakers share their knowledge, wisdom and experience at this inaugural session of 15^th Aalmi Urdu Conference. The Keynote speakers were Nasir Abbas Nair and Alex Bellem. Nasir Abbas Nayyar is a prominent Urdu language writer, critic, columnist and essayist. Alex Bellem works as an Assistant Professor and also holds the portfolio of Language Programme Coordinator at Aga Khan University London, United Kingdom.

Professor Ejaz Ahmed Farooqui during this vote of thanks address thanked all dignitaries, sponsors, participants and guest for making this event a success. After vote of thanks, Chief Guest Chief Minister Sindh, His excellency Mr. Murad Ali Shah formally inaugurated 15^th Edition of Aalmi Urdu Conference. Master of Ceremony for this inaugural session was Huma Mir, who carried the session gracefully.

First event of Day-01 was titled as ‘Iqbal aur Qom’ (Iqbal and Nation) prominent scholars on the subject of Allama Iqbal shared their views & experiences. Nasira Iqbal daughter-in-law of Allama Iqbal along with Tehseen Faraqi, Sohail Omer, and Noman-ul-Haq spoke during this session.

Second event of the evening was ‘Urdu ka Shahkaar Adab) (Urdu’s Magnificanet Literature) by Zia Mohye-ud-din. Zia Mohye-ud-din is a British-Pakistani actor, producer, director, television broadcaster and is considered as the foremost reader of urdu literature. He was here to read out “rachi basi joi urdu zuban ki khushbo” (absorbed frangrance of urdu). This session turned out to be the event of day-01. Main Auditorium was packed to capacity with large number audience present outside the main auditorium watching live on screen on Jaun Elia Lawn. Total estimated crowd somewhere near 10,000 in and outside Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi.

Last event of day-01 was qawwali by Ayaz Fareed and Abu Muhammad Qawwal, where they sang Ameer Khusro’s poetry to sufi-style music.

Best Session of Day-01 of 15th Aalmi Urdu Conference by Zia Mohye-ud-din.

Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) launches ‘Early Childhood Parenting Clinic’ for building a stronger family.

Recognizing the importance of supporting parents in their early parenting journey, the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) launched its ‘Early Childhood Parenting Clinic’ on Friday, 06^th November 2020 at its Stadium Road campus. As one of the few initiatives in Pakistan to offer this educational care giving from a hospital setting, this clinic will focus on making parents resourceful to make their child’s early development well-rounded and strong.

According to research, the first 1,000 days of life, starting from the day of inception inside the mother’s womb, make up the most crucial period of human development. Parents often question and worry if they are doing all that they can to support their child’s development.  While there may not be a one-size-fits-all strategy, there are evidence-based tools that parents may be equipped with, as they set on their journey At this clinic, as a parent, you will become more aware of your  child’s developmental needs and with be provided support to deal with your concerns, including but not limited to: what to do for in-utero development, first-time parent counseling, early challenges of parenting, , newborn’s learning and development, making your home new-born friendly, preparing kids for playgroup and school, and balancing the needs of your child as working parents.

Adhering to strict SOPs, the attendees of the inauguration ceremony included the leadership of Aga Khan University (AKU) and Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH): Shagufta Hassan Interim CEO AKUH, Dr. Adil Haider Dean AKU Medical College, Dr. Asim Belgaumi Chief Medical Officer, Salma Jaffer, Chief Nursing Officer, Shamsah Virani Director Marketing & Communications, Dr. Salman Kirmani Chair Division of Women & Child Health, Dr. Lumaan Sheikh Service Line Chief for Women’s Health Care, Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem Service Line Chief for Children’s Hospital and Dr. Shelina Bhamani Lead Consultant Early Childhood Parenting Clinic among others.

“This is a very critical goal and on the radar of AKDN. As a mother of two, I believe that this service is so valuable and helpful for all parents”, commented Interim CEO Shagufta Hassan while stressing upon the need of supporting parents in their journey.

“I have worked for years with mothers of newborns and young children in various community settings. I hear them question very often, ‘am I a good parent?’ I always tell them that ‘good parenting’ is hard to define. However, it can be learnt and adapted to,” said Dr. Bhamani on parents’ confusion about their parenthood.

The Early Childhood Parenting Clinic will provide a wide range of integrative programmes, including group-based consultations and one-to-one referrals for innovative parenting solutions.