Govt building directory of calligraphers

Ledger to include pictures, details of artists

ISLAMABAD: The National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) division have started work on creating the first-ever directory of calligraphers from across the country in order to promote the art and give artists recognition at the national and international level.

The initiative will offer recognition, as well as opportunities to the calligraphers to participate in national and international exhibitions, competitions, seminars and training courses to excel in their field.

“This is the first time that calligraphy, which was a neglected field in the history of the country, is given such recognition and patronage at the government level,” said calligrapher Wasil Shahid.

Shahid is also assisting the division in collecting details of calligraphers spread throughout the country.

“Calligraphy is an Islamic art and its origin is traced to the earliest writing of holy scriptures. There are countless calligraphers who have outstanding contributions but remain unrecognized. Such initiatives [directory] are like a wave of fresh air for calligraphers.”

He said that the directory will include information and professional details of calligraphers along with their pictures. To reach out the calligraphers, he said that the division would advertise on traditional and on social media to reach out to all the calligraphers of the country so that they can be included in the directory.

Last month during the four-day International Calligraphy Exhibition, the Advisor to Prime Minister on National Heritage Irfan Siddiqui had announced that they would build the first-ever Institute of calligraphers in the capital.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2017.