Extracurricular activity: Spotlighting the unsung talent

Third day of the inter-collegiate talent competition features singing.

ISLAMABAD:

On the third day of the inter-collegiate talent competition, participants showcased their singing skills, stringing together poetry and melody at the IMCG F-7/4.

A total of 10 colleges from the twin cities participated in the singing competition and enthralled the audience. They performed qawalis from a wide selection of poetry of Allama Iqbal and Bulleh Shah.

The judges’ panel consisted of Margalla College ex-professor Khalia Mazhar, singer Jawadur Rehman and radio jockey and poet Dr Abrar Umer.

Where some lacked training and practice, some students performed up to the mark. Dr Umer said he was surprised to see the command the girls displayed  over singing, even without formal training. “We don’t have music as a subject in Pakistan. By coming to such competitions, I realise that there is so much talent in Pakistan that never gets polished.”

He lamented the talent was restricted only to the to the college walls. “Girls will perform and win but the talent will never go outside these college walls due to social taboos.” He also complimented their acumen of poetry and composition.

“Its about time we start accepting music as a strong part of our culture, introduce it as a subject at the school level so that talented children can pursue it as a career,” he added.

While some participants wore college uniforms, others were clad in kurtas with ajrak veils for their performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2012.