Lahore (TDI): To mark the inaugural Pakistan Youth Poet Laureate program, the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, in collaboration with Urban Word, held a showcase at the Alhamra Arts Center.
The inaugural Pakistan Youth Poets Laureate was announced at the occasion, with two gifted young Pakistani poets—one writing in Urdu and the other in English—selecting from a pool of 19 finalists.
In April 2025, the two victors will travel to Washington, D.C., to give poetry readings at the Kennedy Center. At the occasion, a collection of poetry written by the poet finalists was published and given out under the title Jashn.
The National Youth Poet Laureate Program was introduced in the United States in 2008, and Urban Word, an award-winning youth literary arts group, produced the first initiative of its sort abroad. This US initiative has received much praise.
Also read: Pakistan Congratulates Malta on Independence Day
This US-funded initiative asked Pakistani writers between the ages of 16 and 25 to contribute creative poems in either Urdu or English beginning in February 2023. Over 1,400 entries were submitted for the event from all over Pakistan.
For the first group of Pakistan Youth Poet Laureate finalists, ten poets in each language were chosen by a panel of judges.
The program finalists were guided over the previous five months by distinguished poets and artists, after which they submitted complete poetry portfolios to be assessed by prominent figures in Pakistan’s literary and artistic circles.
Sandeep Paul, the public affairs officer for the US Consulate General in Lahore, commended the poets and said, “I am quite impressed by these remarkable and inventive poets, who have shared their perspectives through their art.”
It is my hope that they will encourage more young Pakistanis to share their tales in a way that is uniquely their own.
Also read: Belize Marks 43 Years of Independence
The founder of Urban Word, Michael Cirelli, expressed appreciation for the teamwork that went into the initiative.
Cirelli stated, “We value our strong relationship with the U.S. Embassy and consulates throughout Pakistan, as well as Pakistani organizations, colleges, and universities, poets, and leaders from all over the country.”
“The work of these poets is contemporary, visionary, and vital today more than ever. We are thrilled to commemorate the next generation of poets and authors who will add to Pakistan’s illustrious poetic history.”
Similar to similar thoughts, project director Sara Zaidi said, “This celebration of youth poets showcases the next generation of torchbearers of both poetic tradition and innovation. There is amazing talent in Pakistan.”
