PESHAWAR: The annual Spirit Week 2026 concluded at the Khyber Medical College (KMC) on Friday, transforming the historic institution into a vibrant centre of cultural heritage, artistic expression, and student-led creative endeavours.
Organised by student societies, the event provided a platform for future medical professionals to display their creative talents outside the academic sphere while honouring the region’s diverse cultural tapestry.
The week opened on Monday with Pashto Cultural Day, organised by the KMC Literary Society. Students adorned traditional Pakhtun attire, transforming the campus courtyard into a colourful tribute to regional heritage.
The day featured authentic folk music, classical Pashto poetry recitations, and interactive stalls showcasing traditional artefacts. ‘Celebrating our linguistic roots alongside demanding medical studies helps preserve our identity and strengthens our connection with the community we serve,’ student organiser Farzana Rahman told this scribe.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to national and regional literary traditions with Urdu Day. Highlights included a spirited Bait Bazi competition that drew enthusiastic participation from medical classes.
Local literary richness took centre stage during an eclectic mushaira, featuring poetry in Urdu alongside Hindko and Saraiki dialects. Noted Pashto writer Prof Noorul Amin Yousafzai, who attended the session, told this scribe that integrating indigenous literature into professional medical education plays a pivotal role in refining empathy, critical thinking, and emotional depth among young doctors.
Wednesday marked the celebration of Global Village Day, fostering international awareness and cultural exchange within the campus. Students set up elaborate pavilion displays representing various international cultures, regions, and traditions, featuring authentic cuisines and interactive stalls.
‘Global Village Day provided us with a unique window to appreciate international cultural perspectives, which is vital for modern healthcare practitioners,’ young medic Shahid Ali told this scribe.
The final two days, Thursday and Friday, focused on fine arts competitions, photography exhibitions, and interactive visual installations throughout the college grounds.
‘This annual showcase allows us to channel our creative energy into fine arts, proving that medicine and humanities go hand in hand,’ young medic Junaid Khan Marwat said while describing the photography exhibition.
The concluding ceremonies recognised outstanding student performances across all activities.