VSAAL Productions Presents: 2nd South Asian Festival

About the Event:

The Second South Asian Festival, promises to be an intellectually vibrant and culturally rich gathering, celebrating the spirit of South Asia through literature, politics, culture, music, and storytelling.

This year’s festival will feature:

Panel Discussions & Talks:

On politics, culture, social issues, press freedom, and women’s challenges. Distinguished Speakers & Writers: Mohammed Hanif, Wasatullah Khan, Mazhar Abbas, Mazhar Tirmazi, J. A. Chandio, Harris Khalique, Javed Soomro, Tanveer Zaman Khan, and Afzal Butt.

Special Segments:"Jashn-e-Iftikhar" – a tribute to legendary poet Iftikhar Arif. A conversation with cricket legend Zaheer Abbas on the book by renowned sports journalist Qamar Ahmed and insights into journalistic struggles in Pakistan with Afzal Butt.

Art & Performance:

Sufi Qawwali by Junaid Mian, son of Aziz Mian, in his first London performance.Musical performances by Saif Samejo, Latif Ali Khan, and Faizan Ali, presenting Urdu, Sindhi, and Punjabi songs.

Awards:

Presentation of the inaugural EDHI Award to recognise outstanding contributions in social work.

The celebration will recognise cultural legacies and engage with pressing socio-political issues of today, offering audiences an inspiring blend of critical thought, cultural pride, and artistic expression.

Current Programme Overview (maybe subject to change):

DAY 1 - Saturday 27th September:

3PM - 3:30PM - Welcome, Registration, Meet & Greet

3:30PM - Main Auditorium Doors Open and Programme of Entertainment

7PM - Break for Dinner

7:45 - 8 PM - Programme Resumes

9:30PM - Event Close

DAY 2 - Sunday 28th September:

2PM - 3.30PM - Welcome, Registration, Meet & Greet

3:30PM - Main Auditorium Doors Open and Programme of Entertainment

7:15 PM - Break for Dinner

8 PM - 9:30PM - Programme Resumes

9:30 PM - Event Close

Host or Publisher University of East London