‘Waekh Lahore’ to promote heritage

LAHORE
‘WAEKH Lahore’ the second unique Competition & Exhibition of photographic excellence about this centuries old city also known as the ‘City of the lively-hearts’, is a mega event in the world of photography, jointly organised by Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) and Photographic Society of Pakistan, in collaboration with Lahore Photography Club and Alhamra Arts Council.
The photography exhibition, which opened on Monday evening and housed over three dozen brilliant photographers entries, is a living testimony to the fact that Lahore is a city of lively people and it must be protected and projected in the true spirit it deserves. The official objective of the exhibition, as projected by its principal organisers i.e. the WCLA, remains the promotion of Lahore as our historical heritage.
Just for a starter, the display of Lahore’s Architecture, which is one of the three categories in which the entries had been divided, is not just a glimpse into our glorious past and a walk down the memory lane, but it is also a great source of learning for the students of architecture and the general public alike about matchless building skills of the master builders we had some 100 years back. The exhibition also helps us to compare the present assets with the glowing heritage of our remarkable past which we have ruined in the name of development and due to our ignorance.
The category of ‘Street Life’ is as thriving and living as the streets of Lahore are especially the Walled City Streets. It provides a unique chance to those living in the same city and other cities of country to see the breathing city through the lences of a camera, who could never find time in their hectic routine to roam around in this beautiful heart of Pakistan and appreciate its mesmerising grandeur.
In the third and last category titled ‘Historic Monuments,’ the commitment, dedication and brilliance of the craftsmen, builders and the rulers of the times gone by captivate the viewers.
After all said and done, it will be a gross injustice if the DG WCLA Kamran Lashari and his team’s vision and love for Lahore is not appreciated for holding this grand event second time in a row, Kamran Lashari, unlike any other seasoned and senior bureaucrat has a craze to beautify places and cities. He has a fixation with art and heritage, especially Lahore’s heritage. The reason is very simple: Kamran is a son of Lahore, born and brought up in this living city. He owes a lot to this city and is trying to pay it back in his own, very innovative style. Although Kamran Lashari could not make it to the prize distribution ceremony of this grand event; however, his presence was felt all over the venue being reflected in his dedicated team bent on changing the Walled City skyline.
Taniya Qureshi of WCLA told this scribe that some 600 photographs were received for the competition, out of which, 350 photos had been displayed in the exhibition. In the Architecture category, Junaid Ahmed, Abdul Rafey and Armagan Nishat bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. In the Street Life Category, Amnah Yaseen (the only female who earned the prize), Hassan Ahmed and Sher Ali got the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. In the 3rd and final category titled ‘Historic Monuments,’ Hussain Mehmood got the first prize, Sher Muhammad got the 2nd and Muhammad Ali received the 3rd Prize. Likewise another 20 photographers, who came in the first 20s list, were given the prizes by the chief guests.