Daily Times

LAHORE: The Institute of Policy Reforms (IPR) Friday organised a discussion on South Asian cultural heritage titled ‘Islamic Art: Heritage, Identity, and Inspiration’. Keynote speaker Navina Najat Haidar, curator Islamic Art Department, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, gave a presentation to a full house of listeners.

She based her presentation on her recently held award winning exhibition – ‘Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700: Opulence and Fantasy. Opening the discussion, IPR Chairman Humayun Akhtar Khan said that the event was the first step to bridge the gap in the institute’s work on public policy. “No discourse on our identity and social evolution is complete without recognition of our entire heritage. Such discussions were particularly important in the present context of the Pakistani society.” He added that tourism and heritage sector could help enhance trade and business. “Art and heritage can ensure sustainable social and cultural development. Diversity, quality and sale of viable cultural tourism services are the organs of business and trade.”

The audience appreciated the informative commentary on the period in which Islamic art and culture was at its boom. Some participants said that culture and socio-economic development cannot be separated. “In fact, culture should be the end of development. In a world dominated by Western ideas, it enhances a society’s self-esteem, trade, business and fosters social stability.”