Child training in embroidery, stone carving opens at Lok Virsa

Islamabad: A children training programme titled ‘embroidery and stone carving: engagement with artisans’ under the ongoing `Craft is Knowledge’ series formally opened here at the Heritage Museum, Shakarparian.
The programme is organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) in collaboration with the Federal Directorate of Education (Training Wing). It is aimed at promoting traditional skills, encouraging master artisans and inculcating awareness among younger generation, especially children about the indigenous craft heritage of Pakistan.
A large number of students from various schools working under the administrative control of Federal Directorate of Education and children of the visitors to Heritage Museum are participating in the training program and learning craft making techniques from master artisans at the beautiful surroundings of Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
In this regard, a prestigious ribbon cutting and opening ceremony was held, which was performed by Mr. Asif Iqbal Khan Niazi, Director (Training), Federal Directorate of Education and Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director.
The ceremony featured live folk musical performances rendered by children and folk artists attired in traditional costumes. Students of IMCG Punjgran, IMCG Thanda Pani and IMCG F-7/2 presented popular national songs and Kalam-e-Iqbal marking birth anniversary of the national poet and philosopher Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.
Child stars hailing from different other local schools and colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad also presented famous folk songs, folk dances and cultural diversity shows representing culture of all provinces showing a message of unity and solidarity among all federating units. Lok Virsa dance group “jamalo” also presented Punjabi folk dance ‘Bhangra’.
A large number of students, teachers, cultural personalities and general public attended the ceremony and commended the efforts of Lok Virsa in projecting the cultural heritage of Pakistan in such a beautiful and effective manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director Lok Virsa said, “We started this program to provide hands on training to children, who are our future, in various folk crafts. Every month, a particular craft is focused and children are given opportunity to learn that craft under master artisans. The response from students, teachers and the school management is praiseworthy.”
She also appreciated the cooperation of FDE Training Wing for holding this programme and ensuring the maximum participation of their students. FDE director Asif Iqbal Niazi commended the efforts of Lok Virsa, particularly chief executive Dr. Fouzia Saeed, and assured full cooperation of his organisation for all future programs of Lok Virsa.
The training programme in embroidery and stone carving will continue at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum till Friday, 24 November with daily timings from 10am to 5pm. However, there will be a break for prayer on Friday from 1 to 2:30pm. Registration is free.
The Lok Virsa is also providing training material for children free of charge. A one-day Children Lok Mela is also scheduled on Thursday, 23 November 2017 from 10am to 3pm at IMCG, Punjgran, Sector Nilore. A colourful opening of the Mela will be held the same day at 11am.