Arts: Students stand up for the environment

LAHORE:

Over hundred students armed with paint and brushes participated in a competition at the Lahore College University (LCU) on Friday. The students were supposed to use graffiti to spread awareness about environment protection. Employing themes of Sufism, recycling, peace and more the students took to the walls with gusto.

The competition was inaugurated by Prof Mansoor Faisal, the rector of the LCU. Students from National College of Arts (NCA), Hunar Kada, Naqsh School of Arts, Alhamra Arts Council, LCU, Aitcheson College, Punjab University and CMH Lahore Medical College painted the walls of the LCU.

Hussain Sajjad, head of LCU School of Economic and Finance, said, “Different schools don’t need to act like competitors. We are all allies here, promoting a great cause.”

The judges of the competition were led by former NCA professor Asad Farooqi. Farooqi said, “Students have a deep concern for the environment. This comes through in their art work.”

Artist Ghulam Mustafa said, “We have been making walls ugly. That needs to change.” He added that it was rare to have an opportunity to paint walls according to one’s own thoughts.

NCA student Mazhar Naveed said, “Our environment is asking us to go green, recycle and control our habit of spreading waste.” The young man said he felt that he was sure students could bring about a positive change.

The NCA took the top cash prize of Rs10,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2011.