‘Revival of Suroz’ programme held at Lok Virsa

Islamabad
As part of an effort to preserve Pakistani culture, a programme titled ’Revival of Suroz’ was held at at Lok Virsa Complex on Friday.
‘Suroz’ is a Bolochi musical instrument played with the help of a fiddle. It has colourful, protruding tuning knobs at right angles to the neck of the instrument. It is ornamented with large mirrors and colourful, beaded tassels, pompoms hanging from its knobs”.
The programme was organised by the College of Youth Activism and Development (CYAAD) and Small Grant Ambassador Fund Programme (SGAFP) in collaboration the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa).
The joint venture of ‘Balochistan Cultural Project’ is conceived by CYAAD and supported by Small Grant Ambassador Fund Program -- SGAFP to preserve ‘Suroz’ through training of young people in two districts of Balochistan.
Senator Hasil Bazinjo was the chief guest on the occasion whereas eminent actor, director, painter and a social worker Jamal Shah was invited as the guest of honour at the event.
In her welcoming address, Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr. Fouzia Saeed said: “this is yet another endeavor of Lok Virsa in line with its on-going efforts to document, preserve and promote indigenous folk culture and musical heritage of Pakistan.”
She said that the programme aims to revitalise folk music and people’s confidence on its significance as metaphor of peace, tolerance and social harmony, she added.
Jamal Shah introduced the history and significance and place of the musical instrument in the Balochi culture.
Speaking on the occasion, Senator Hasil Bazinjo said that the programme would pay a tribute to the bolstering but unheard folk musicians of Balochistan who have lit this candle for centuries despite countless odds and miseries.
The program was followed by the performances of ‘Suroz’ by teachers and students including Mohammad Fahim, Tania, Nisar Ahmad, Shazia Khan, Khawand Bakhsh, Hoorahn, Khawaja Khan, Abdul Hakeem, Habibullah, Khalid Dad, Muhammad Naseem, Mohammad Azam, Ali Muhammad and others.
A large number of people from different walks of life attended the program and appreciated the contribution of the partner organisations in documenting and preserving the rich musical heritage of Pakistan.