Youth showcase talent in Seerat week
The Rehmatullil Aalameen (PBUH) week was observed by Lahore Arts Council on the directives of Punjab government amid concerns among the people about reported incidents of blasphemy in some countries.
On the occasion, Naat and speech competitions were organised all over Punjab. The competitions continued throughout the week in various districts of Punjab and the participants took part in them with hard work, dedication, passion and devotion.
The prize ceremony for the winners was held at the Gaddafi Stadium's Open Air Cultural Complex. The Punjab Chief Minister's Special Assistant Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Higher Education Minister Raja Humayun Yasir were the chief guests on the occasion.
The speakers at the ceremony said a large number of youngsters took part in the weeklong competitions and the way they represented their colleges, universities and cities through their talent was a source of pride for all people.
They asserted that the future of Pakistan was very safe and bright in the hands of these young people.
They said Punjab government had organised events related to various fields but the week had given opportunity to a large number of talented youths to come forward. The participating youths also included girls who impressed the judges and audience with their performance.
The chief guests said they were happy to share the confidence that there were young people in the country, especially Punjab, who would make Pakistan famous all over the world in the future.
The teachers of different colleges and universities said they kept holding such competitions in their institutions to boost the confidence of the youths to perform at any platform without any hesitation. They said they were also surprised by the large number of students who took interest in the events.
The teachers said they viewed all the participants as winners but only the best performers got the prizes.
They expressed hope that Punjab government would continue to hold such events regularly.
The speakers said all the colleges and universities should be congratulated for preparing their students for this competitions in short time.
Al Hamra Cultural Centre Director Naveed Bukhari said parents were also present to support their children during the events. "The young people who learnt about the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during the weeklong competitions would be able to represent us as better human beings and Muslims in the future," he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2020.