Daily Times

The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, Government of Pakistan, celebrated the independence day of Pakistan here at Shakarparian in a most befitting manner.

Jashan-e-Azadi cake cutting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument Museum, Western Point, Shakarparian. Ms. Shahera Shahid, Executive Director, Lok Virsa, performed the ceremony in front of media. A large number of people from different walks of life including families and children attended the event and appreciated the contribution of Lok Virsa in promoting the indigenous folk culture of Pakistan in a beautiful manner.

An exhibition of artisans-at-work featuring master artisans in the field of papier mache, pottery making, metal work, leather embroidery, lacquer art and jewellery representing all provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir was arranged at the Heritage Museum, Garden Avenue.

Another exhibition showcasing artwork created by children at various programs of Lok Virsa during the last one year also remained on display for visitors.

Traditional drummers (Dholis) also gave thrilling performances throughout the day and entertained the visitors.

In July, Lok Virsa launched a music contest where musicians performed patriotic songs. In this contest, fifty entries were received from all over the country. Twenty six contestants appeared in two auditions held at Lok Virsa on 7th and 9th August, 2018. Finally, three contestants were granted special prizes from Lok Virsa in recognition of their talent.  Nimra Khan from Peshawar stood first with cash prize of Rs. 15,000/-, Maryam from Skardu received second prize of Rs. 10,000/- and Hina Abbasi from Islamabad got third prize of Rs. 7,000/-.  Judges who adjudged the prizes were eminent tabla player Muhammad Ajmal, renowned flute player Salman Aadil and writer Ms. Naeem Fatima Alvi. All the contestants who appeared in the auditions received participation certificates from Lok Virsa.

These prizes and certificates were awarded in the live folk musical concert held at Lok Virsa open air theatre in the evening.

“It was an effort on the part of Lok Virsa to celebrate the 71st anniversary of Pakistan’s independence through purely a cultural perspective. This event provided an opportunity to master artisans, folk artists and folk musicians from all parts of Pakistan to demonstrate their skills at the federal capital and express a message of peace, unity and integration among all federating units at this auspicious occasion”, said Executive Director Lok Virsa Ms. Shahera Shahid, while talking to the media.

Published in Daily Times, August 15^th 2018.