HYDERABAD: An interactive and informative event entitled ‘Rising Sindh’ was organised by a group of students under Sindh Talented Students (STS). The event was based on music, art and culture of Sindh. Fatima Rind, inaugurated the event by her speech in which she revealed that the event aims to exhibit ‘rising’ stars of Sindh. An inspiring documentary was presented by Sagar Soomro, which was based on special child Natasha Soomro’s struggle of 3 years in the University of Sindh as a student and a hostler. Natasha was invited on the stage to share her experience to the audience. “Success is a journey, not a struggle,” she said as her favourite motivational quote. G.M Soomro, a renowned poet, appreciated STS and said that such events should be conducted all-over the Sindh. The panel discussion was initiated by Moderator Sanjay Mathrani, which was based on the ‘Rising Stars’ of Sindh. Khair Muhammad Saadat, a student of University of Sindh who won National Eastern Singing Competition at 6th Lyallpur art and literature Festival, as a panelist participated in the discussion. Bisma Jatoi, a student of University of Sindh who writes blogs and articles on social issues, also participated as a panelist. During the panel discussion, panelists exhibited their expertise. “Being invited as a young writer for the penal discussion, I was assured that Sindh is heading towards glory. ‘Rising Sindh’ runs on the fuel of willpower of youth. A society is best served by youths and the event proved it,” Bisma Jatoi said. She further added that a writing community needs to be established where individuals can assess the work of budding writers. Monthly writing conventions need to be organised to resolve the issues of young writers. While sharing his experience, Mr Saadat urged to continue struggle and ‘never give up’. While exhibiting her painting, Ms Mashal said that she is not an artist but only expresses her feelings through painting like people in the Stone Age used to do. Later, a group of Guru Kul, Udero Lal performed a theater titled ‘Ram Leela’, based upon love between Krishna and Radha, and Gopi. Another theater titled ‘Sur Girhan’ was directed by Mr Shahnawaz Bhatti, that manifested arrogance and self-interest could prove counterproductive, harming one’s potentials. Fatima Rind expressed that ‘Sur Girhan’ promotes an idea of Sufism and mysticism. She said that talented youth get their experience and learning enhanced by such events. She appreciated Shahnawaz, who tried to depict unity among many faiths in the drama. Mashal Hussain, a rising artist of Sindh, stated that people advised her to exhibit her paintings publicly, but she had no desire of being famous or self-praising. “Most of my paintings depict the idea of ‘identity’ that how people suppress their identity by hiding the world they use to create in their minds,” she said. She further revealed that girls reflect innocence as they have got no world while human mind delineates an entire different world that contains memories and fantasies. “We have lost identities to ourselves. Our personalities indicate anxiety disorder as the ‘real self’ has yet to be explored,” she said. The event concluded with a Sufi music ceremony presided by the soulful voice of Javed Faqeer. Published in Daily Times, May 4th 2018.