By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the enchanting world of literature, where the power of words can ignite the imagination and ignite the soul, a passionate literary enthusiast, Ayesha Fazlur Rahman, a Fulbright alumna of 2007, embarked on a transformative journey. Her project, ‘Adbi Exchange,’ was more than just a series of interviews with book authors; it was a celebration of ideas and dialogue.
Driven by her years of experience as a teacher and a love for reading, Ayesha wanted to create a space where the written word is revered and cherished, and where ideas flourish. With an eye on fostering meaningful discussions and promoting a culture of respect for diverse thoughts, Adbi Exchange brought together brilliant minds from different genres to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
Her project, aptly named ‘Adbi Exchange,’ was more than just a series of interviews with book authors; it was a celebration of ideas and dialogue, a symphony of thoughts that resonated with the minds of those who dare to dream. Ayesha understood the profound impact that literature can have on shaping minds, and she aimed to foster a culture where the art of writing and storytelling thrives, cherished by young and old alike.
Through ‘Adbi Exchange,’ Ayesha aimed to create a magical space where writers, thinkers, and readers could converge, transcending barriers of time and geography. Each interview was a dance of words, weaving narratives that sparked curiosity and ignited intellectual fires. With each conversation, Adbi Exchange became a stage for authors to share their tales and ideas, while the audience immersed themselves in the enchanting worlds created by the written word.
Ayesha’s passion for literature and her unwavering dedication to the project transformed ‘Adbi Exchange’ into an experience that extended beyond the boundaries of books and discussions. It became a movement that celebrated the power of ideas and the richness of literature in shaping societies and cultures.
As Ayesha breathed life into ‘Adbi Exchange,’ the project took on a life of its own, drawing in writers, readers, and intellectuals from every corner of Pakistan. Through her efforts, the project became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers, offering them a platform to embrace their passion and share their stories with the world.
Through her unwavering dedication, Ayesha not only provided these authors with a platform to share their insights but also ignited a fire within their souls. With each interview, ideas resonated, and extremism found no ground to thrive. Adbi Exchange became a movement, valuing writers and intellectuals, giving them the recognition they deserved.
For Ayesha, the project became a catalyst for her own personal growth as an interviewer, gaining confidence and valuable insights. While the reach of the interviews was desired to be wider, the project provided valuable lessons for future endeavors to make a greater impact. As Fauzia Khan from Peshawar beautifully expressed, “I was so happy listening to the interviews, and so sad that it ended so quickly. The book Threading My Prayer Rug was sent to me as a prize, and I am really enjoying reading it. Why don’t we hear more from writers!”
Catch some of the glimpses from the closing ceremony of the project:
Indeed, the project brought hope and a bright future for Pakistan through the voices of its talented writers. Collaborating with the U.S. Mission and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) was a seamless and fulfilling experience for Ayesha and her team.
The support and appreciation received, along with the opportunity to share content on US Embassy Pakistan’s social media pages, added to the success of ‘Adbi Exchange.’
With the foundation set, Ayesha envisions a grander sequel to Adbi Exchange, involving higher-profile authors, and aims to continue celebrating the power of ideas and literary brilliance in Pakistan. The ASG project ‘Adbi Exchange’ kindled a new sense of wonder and appreciation for the written word, fostering a culture where literature was not just an art form but a gateway to self-discovery and collective growth. Ayesha’s vision of celebrating the power of ideas through literature was brought to life, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Pakistan.
As ‘Adbi Exchange’ continues to shine as a testament to the magic of literature, Ayesha’s transformative journey as a literary enthusiast remains an inspiration for all those who believe in the power of words to shape hearts, minds, and souls.
