Islamabad
Young generation will get a chance to learn unique Pakistan specific truck art during the second phase of ‘Craft of the Month’ series launched by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Monday.
The entire front of heritage Museum at Lok Virsa was decorated with the colorful truck art at the opening ceremony of the second phase of ‘Craft of the Month’ programme. The programme aims at promoting indigenous folk crafts, reviving dying traditional skills and inculcating knowledge among the younger generation, particularly children about the rich craft heritage of Pakistan. Federal Directorate of Education and Directorate General for Special Education are also collaborating with Lok Virsa by nominating their students for participation in the ongoing programme.
The new course titled ‘Truck Art: Engagement with Artisans’ was inaugurated by UN Resident Coordinator for Pakistan Neil Buhne, along with Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director, Lok Virsa in a traditional way by cutting a ribbon. Later the UN representative visited all artisan displays and met master trainers and students who were learning craft making techniques from the artisans.
The ceremony featured a number of colourful live folk musical performances and diversity shows, all presented by youth. They sung popular folk and mystic songs like Bibi Shireeni, Mara Teh Mara, Tele Rana More Thore, Dane pe Dana, Pat Lal Meri and several others. The students of Islamabad Model School for Girls, G-6/1-3 presented a national song Ai Rahe Haq ke Shaheedo to mark Defence Day. Students of Islamabad Model School for Girls, F-11/1 presented a mega cultural diversity show “Rhythm of Unity” in beautiful traditional costumes. Special youth Ata ul Qadeer and Farzeedul Hassan from the Directorate General for Special Education also sung two famous folk songs. Parecelet Pante Coastal Church, New Shakrial also presented a Punjabi folk song.
Certificates were also awarded to thirty students of Islamabad Model College for Girls, I-9/1 and Islamabad Model School for Boys, I-9/1 in recognition of their participation in the previous programme on ‘Mirror work: Engagement with Artisans’ held in June 2016.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Fouzia Saeed said Lok Virsa believes that children are future of Pakistan and realizes the need to prepare them for all challenges of the future including the safeguarding of indigenous folk culture and craft heritage.
“While keeping this in mind, last year we successfully organised ten programmes under the craft of the month series, which were participated by hundreds of children (6-14 years of age). Their enthusiasm was worth mentioning. They met craftspeople from all over Pakistan and learnt from them techniques involved in craft making”.
Speaking on the occasion, UN Resident Coordinator Neil Buhne appreciated the role of Lok Virsa for mobilizing youth community in such a big number and inculcating in them the real essence of Pakistan’s craft and musical heritage.
A large number of youth, students, teachers, craft lovers and people belonging to other walks of life thronged the event and commended the thrilling performances rendered by the youth. Truck art training programme will continue till Friday, September 9. Its daily timings are from 10 am to 5 pm. Parents can get their children enrolled by contacting Lok Virsa Museum Section on 9249200 or 0300-5204755. Registration is free. Lok Virsa is also providing raw material for craft making itself. Master artisans who are transferring this skill include 80-year old Habib ur Rehman, Muhammad Farid and special artisan Muhammad Younus. All of them possess a vast knowledge and expertise in the particular field.
