Radiance News
Hyderabad, Jan. 8: A program titled Solidarity with Palestine took place at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills here Saturday. Organized by social, civil, and human rights activists, including Ms. Khalida Parveen, Mr. S.Q. Masood, and Ms. Kaneez Fathima, the event featured a photo exhibition, a poetry session, and a panel discussion.
Speaking with Radiance, S.Q. Masood shared that the program commenced with a welcome note from Kaneez Fathima, followed by an introduction by Khalida Parveen.
Masood explained that the first session showcased the photo exhibition GAZA51 by Ms. Mahnoor Yar Khan. With over 20 years living in Palestine, Ms. Mahnoor displayed around 30 photographs and painted pictures. Notable exhibits included a photo of young men playing volleyball near ruined buildings destroyed by bomb attacks, symbolizing resilience, and a pencil sketch by Soleman Shaheen expressing the dream of overcoming obstacles.
The poetry session moderated by Sibghatullah Khan and Mahnoor Yar Khan, featured recitations by various participants. This included a poem titled “If I Die” by Rafat Alareer, read by Mahnoor, and original poems by participants such as Ifra Fatima, Riyasat, N. Venugopal, Imsila Fatima, A. Suneetha, Tanvi, and Kaneez Fathima.
The last session was a panel discussion with Prof. Haragopal, Prof. Rama Melkote, Mr. N. Venugopal, Dr. Jilukara Srinivas, and Mr. Layeeq Ahmed Khan Aquil, moderated by Sara Mathews.
Prof. Haragopal attributed Israel’s attacks on Gaza to the US role and its arms lobby, criticizing the silence of Western countries. Prof. Rama Melkote expressed concern over Palestinian dissatisfaction with India’s changed policy.
Mr. Venugopal emphasized the need to understand the Palestinian struggle, condemning Israel’s attacks and highlighting three Telugu books published in support of Palestine since October 7, 2023. Layeeq Ahmed Khan Aquil criticized the UN for failing to stop Israel’s attacks and drew parallels between the situations of India and Palestine in 1948.
Jilukara Srinivas expressed his belief that Palestine will one day be free.
The program was attended by intellectuals and youngsters, including students, who actively participated and showed interest.
