Love for books: President Alvi seeks briefing about NBF performance

Will also seek briefing on working of PNCA, Lok Virsa, PAL and National Language Promotion Department


Our Correspondent December 30, 2018
President Arif Alvi. PHOTO: PID

ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Arif Alvi has asked for examining the performance of National Book Foundation (NBF), Lok Virsa, Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) and National Language Promotion Department.

All these institutions fall under the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage.

The President House has sent a letter to the administration office of NBF with direction to brief the head of the state about performance and measures adopted till now through a power-point presentation.

Sources said that NBF Managing Director Dr Inamul Haq will brief President Alvi on January 19.

President will also seek briefing on performance of PNCA, Lok Virsa, Pakistan Academy Letters and National Language Promotion Department.

According to NBF administration officer, President House will be supplied with all the details on December 30. Speaking to Express News he said that President Alvi has interest in books, literature, and education.

Lok Virsa annual review

National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa arranged around hundred cultural events throughout the year 2018 to serve culture lovers with a treat of glimpses and information on cultural heritage of Pakistan on by staging many quality cultural events

The institute which specialises in dealing with research, collection, documentation, preservation and dissemination of Pakistan's traditional culture, worked in close collaboration with all federating units and community based organisations for furtherance of its objectives, said an official while talking to APP.

Starting the year 2018 with a live concert with Ustad Ejaz Tawakkal Khan, Lok Virsa in collaboration with Asian Study Group (ASG) Comparative Cultures presented a book "Dissolving Boundaries - Guru Garanth Sahib, a Symbol of Cultural Syncretism" featuring a collection of teachings and writings by Guru Nanak and other Gurus as well as Sikh, Hindu and Muslim saints.

The book stressed on a society based on divine justice without oppression of any kind and about oneness of the entire universe; it can be viewed as a symbol of pluralism, inter-faith harmony and diversity of Pakistan.

Saaz Kahani - Premiere of a programme on dying musical instruments (The Story of Musical Instruments) was dedicated to exploring a unique instrument from diverse regions of Pakistan.

ASG and Lok Virsa presented "Dances of Asia and the Pacific: Choreographing Peace through Dance". Lok Virsa in collaboration with the High Commission of Democratic Socialistic Republic of Sri Lanka held live colorful performances with the visiting Sri Lankan cultural troupe to celebrate 70th years of independence of Sri Lanka.

Lok Virsa launched four following books: Aangai featuring poetry about the brides of Kakar tribe in Balochistan, Chitral Ke Lok Geet (Folk Songs of Chitral), Journey through Lens - A history of Pakistan's Cinema.

The Institute opened a new three-dimensional creative diorama on "Uncle Sargam" at Heritage Museum as a tribute to both the character of Uncle Sargam and Farooq Qaiser who, apart from creating the character of Uncle Sargam, also trained many new artistes during his illustrious career.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2018.

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