Lok Virsa starts embroidery classes

Master artisans will demonstrate intricate techniques, skills used in the craft

ISLAMABAD: A training programme for children with embroidery and stone carving opened at the Heritage Museum of Lok Virsa on Tuesday.

The programme, part of Lok Virsa’s ongoing craft is knowledge programme, was organised by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage in collaboration with the Federal Directorate of Education (Training Wing).

The programme aims at promoting traditional skills, encouraging master artisans to inculcate an awareness about crafts amongst the younger generation, especially children, about indigenous craft heritage of Pakistan.

A large number of students from different schools working under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and children visitors to Heritage Museum participated in the training programme.

The programme was formally inaugurated on Tuesday with FDE Training Director Asif Iqbal Niazi and Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

The ceremony also featured live folk musical performances from children and folk artists decked out in traditional costumes.

Students of Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG) Punjgran, IMCG Thanda Pani and IMCG Sector F-7/2 presented popular national songs and Allama Iqbal’s poetry marking the birth anniversary of the national poet and philosopher.

Children hailing from different other local schools and colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad also performed to famous folk songs, presenting folk dances and cultural diversity shows representing the culture of all provinces showing a message of unity and solidarity among all federating units.

The Lok Virsa dance group “Jamalo” also presented the Punjabi folk dance `Bhangra’.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saeed said, “We started this programme 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 an 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 the programme and ensuring maximum participation of their students.

Niazi commended the efforts of Lok Virsa and assured full cooperation from his department for all future programmes.

The training program in embroidery and stone carving will continue at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum till November 24 from 10am to 5pm. Registration is free.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2017.