The Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest is inspired by the thought of Pakistan’s poet laureate, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, where he exclaimed in his poem Takhliq (Creation) that ‘New worlds derive their pomp from thoughts quite fresh and new/From stones and bricks a world was neither built nor grew.’
In order to create these ‘newer worlds,’ the ThinkFest aims to achieve three objectives: First is the creation of newer spaces, realms, and opportunities for the flourishing of new thoughts and ideas, so that Pakistan can develop as a forward-looking and progressive country. Secondly, the Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest aims to bridge the gap between academia and society by becoming an interface between them. Worldwide newer and creative thoughts are incubated in universities and colleges, but in Pakistan, there is little interaction between academia and the general public. This event bridges the gap by providing academic discourse in an accessible yet robust manner, for fuller understanding and engagement. And thirdly, since recently Pakistan and the world have been mired in the vortex of ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’ which blur and mask our knowledge and judgments on critical issues, the Afkar-e-Taza ThinkFest provides us with an opportunity to engage with leading scholars from around the world in a fact based and critical discussion which is grounded and vigorous.
Our Speakers
The ThinkFest focuses primarily on academics and those who have written academic books. Literature is covered well by other festivals and so the ThinkFest does not contest their space but provides for a complimentary festival of thinkers and opinion-makers. Our speakers hail from the top universities and think tanks of the world, and are among the non-fiction bestsellers on numerous lists.
Speakers Corner
The ThinkFest also pioneered the ‘Speakers Corner.’ Modelled after its namesake in Hyde Park in London, this safe space allowed the attendees to come and speak on topics of their choice and attract their own audience. These spontaneous talks ranged from feminism to a discussion on smart cities, and even an interactive session with a visiting Chevening scholarship advisor. The establishment of such a space for respectful, open and yet critical discussion, allowed people to create new avenues for dialogue, discussion and learning.
Multilingual
The ThinkFest did not declare an official working language — speakers were encouraged to be multi lingual. Hence, there were talks which were completely in Punjabi — and they were not just on Punjabi itself, while in others Urdu was the medium, and a vast majority were bilingual in English and Urdu. Breaking down language barriers was a central endeavour of the ThinkFest.
No Barriers
All literary festivals in Pakistan have a 'Speakers Lounge' where speakers go and hide from the public gaze. Some even have paid 'Delegate' packages for special access. The ThinkFest democratised all of this! There was no Speakers Lounge, no special delegates—everyone sat, ate, and mingled together. Providing unprecedented access was one of the great successes of the ThinkFest.
Diversity
The attendees of the ThinkFest come from all walks of life, not just the elite English speaking population. At the last event students from most universities, colleges, and schools, and even some madaris, were seen mingled together and interacting with the speakers. The ThinkFest is therefore a great meeting place for all types of people and ideas.
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