National Literary Festival Brings Rhythm, Art, And Debate to RMC

For three days in early May, the usually quiet corridors of Rehman Medical College echoed with poetry, debate, and the rhythm of classical dance as students swapped stethoscopes for sketchbooks and took part in the 2025 edition of the National Literary Festival.

The annual event, now a regular feature of RMC’s cultural calendar, brought together medical students, artists, debaters, and poets from across the country for a festival that stretched from historic city walks to heated parliamentary-style contests.

At its core, the festival was a celebration of language — in all its forms. Whether painted, performed or recited, it became clear that for these future doctors, storytelling wasn’t a luxury — it was a necessary tool for connection, empathy, and reflection.

The festival opened with a ceremony steeped in symbolism. Students dressed in traditional attire moved to regional beats, their performances casting a spotlight on Pakistan’s diversity. “It is a meaningful expression of truth, justice and creativity,” said Madam Seelay Srak Rehman, Director of Rehman College of Nursing. “They’re not just students; they’re witnesses of their time.”

Dr Sassi Malik Sher, Assistant Director General at Military Lands and Cantonments HQ, served as guest of honour. In a pointed address to the MBBS students gathered in the auditorium, she reminded them that “becoming a doctor isn’t just about passing exams — it’s about carrying the hopes of the people you serve.”

She also touched on gender disparities in education. “Girls are raised to leave, but must be prepared to lead,” she said, drawing nods from the front rows.

Away from the stage, the art exhibition offered a quieter, more contemplative space. Paintings explored mental health, displacement, illness, and identity. Some were stark. Others hopeful. All were deeply personal.

“In medical education, we’re taught to observe symptoms,” said one participant. “But here, we learn to observe stories.”

An art workshop later gave students a chance to explore these same themes on canvas. For some, it was the first time they’d picked up a brush in years.

There were moments of stillness too. The Qiraat and Naat competition transformed the venue into a sanctuary of devotion. Students recited with grace and reverence, their voices echoing in the hush of the hall.

But the mood shifted quickly as the 2nd All Pakistan Debate Competition kicked off. Sixty-four participants from 24 institutions sparred with wit and precision. Topics ranged from ethics in AI to healthcare inequality. Judges included academic figures from Khyber Medical University and Islamia College.

The top honours in the Urdu and English categories went to Binyameen Raza Qureshi and Wajahat Hanif — both from Khyber Medical College. Their team was also declared overall winner.

Perhaps the most unexpected event was the city tour — a historical walk through Gor Khatri and Peshawar’s colonial-era clock tower. It was a chance for students to step out of the campus bubble and into the complex layers of the city’s past.

“For a medical student, it’s important to understand people,” said one organiser. “But to do that, you also have to understand where they come from.”

As the festival drew to a close, Prof Ejaz Hassan Khan, Vice Chancellor of Gandhara University, addressed the final gathering. He praised the Literary Society’s efforts to merge science with creativity. “You’ve built more than a festival,” he said. “You’ve built a conversation that will outlast the applause.”

Certificates were handed out. Group photos were taken. And just like that, RMC returned to its routines.

But for three days, it wasn’t just a medical college — it was a museum of ideas, a theatre of empathy, and a celebration of all that lies between words and wounds.