Hyderabad Department of Sindhi Language and Literature at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, for the first time in the history of universities in Sindh, organised a one-day academic conference on Creativity, Research and Artificial Intelligence in Children’s Literature.
The conference was presided over by University’s Vice-Chancellor, Engineer Professor Dr Madad Ali Shah.
The conference was attended by prominent writers, poets and researchers from Sindh, including Ayaz Gul, Dr Adal Soomro, Mukhtiar Malik, Dr Sher Mehranvi, Yasir Qazi, Wafa Mola Bakhsh, Amar Iqbal, Saeed Sameejo, Qurban Mangi, Khalid Azad Waghio, Dr Ameer Ali Shah, Dr Phulo Sundar Meghwar, Dr Khalid Saahil Keerio, Dr Sikandar Sagar and others.
Addressing the conference, Vice-Chancellor Engineer Professor Dr Madad Ali Shah said that children’s literature forms foundation of the intellectual, educational and moral development of any society. Quality literature written for children not only contributes to their mental development but also connects them with their language, culture, history and social values.
He said that promoting the creation and research of children’s literature in Sindhi language in line with contemporary requirements is an important need of the time.
He said that Artificial Intelligence is creating new opportunities in the fields of education, research and literature. It can be used to develop modern educational and creative content for children and to facilitate language learning. However, he stressed that while using technology, it is essential to preserve human thought, creativity and originality of the language.
Appreciating the Department of Sindhi Language and Literature for organising the conference, Vice-Chancellor said that universities should play their role in promoting research and literary activities. Renowned poet Ayaz Gul said that writing for children is a sensitive and responsible task, as literature plays an important role in shaping children’s thoughts, imagination and dreams.
He emphasised that literature for children should be created in simple, engaging and creative language, keeping in view their age, psychology and interests. Dr Adal Soomro said that further research is needed into the history, traditions and current state of Sindhi children’s literature.
He said that developing reading habits among children, ensuring the availability of quality books and training new writers could provide fresh directions for Sindhi children’s literature. Renowned writer and radio broadcaster Mukhtiar Malik, in his address, said that alongside the creation of children’s literature, research and critical study of the genre are equally important.
He said that producing quality literature is difficult without understanding the psychological and intellectual needs of children. He urged writers to make children’s everyday lives, social environment and contemporary changes subjects of their writings. Dr Sher Mehranvi, Yasir Qazi, Wafa Mola Bakhsh, Amar Iqbal, Saeed Sameejo, Qurban Mangi, Khalid Azad Waghio, Dr Ameer Ali Shah, Dr Phulo Sundar Meghwar, Dr Khalid Saahil Keerio, Dr Sikandar Sagar and others, in their papers and addresses, shed light on the creative, research and technical aspects of children’s literature.
They said that children’s books should incorporate topics such as the history of Sindh, folk literature, culture, science and environmental awareness in an engaging manner, enabling children to develop intellectual curiosity and values of love, empathy, truthfulness and humanism.
Speakers also emphasised the importance of using Artificial Intelligence as an assisting tool in literature and education.
They said that, while benefiting from modern technology, the writer’s personal observation, emotions, imagination and creative experience should not be overlooked. The development of digital content in Sindhi language, publication of quality books, and collaboration among educational institutions, universities, writers and publishers were identified as important factors in promoting children’s literature.
The participating writers, poets and researchers agreed on the need to continue such academic activities to promote children’s literature, encourage research and ensure the purposeful use of modern technology. The conference provided an important platform for academic and intellectual exchange on the creation of quality literature for children in the Sindhi language and emerging creative trends.