Lok Mela topped off with prizes and performances
Artisans recognised for their contribution to the show.
ISLAMABAD:
The whirlwind of activity came to a close with a colourful award ceremony at the Lok Virsa on Friday. The Lok Mela festival, that had been continuing for the past week, featured folk artists and craftspersons from all provinces of the country. Apart from the art and handicrafts, people from the twin cities had thoroughly enjoyed the local cuisines and traditional performances by folk artists.
However, on the final day, it was the time to acknowledge the efforts and hardwork of artisans who had travelled all the way to Islamabad for the festival.
At the ceremony, awards were categorised into provinces and each artist was given cash prizes sponsored by individuals and organisations. The prizes were given out on recommendations of a national jury constituted by Lok Virsa.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki awarded the participants. “In my view, culture is the path that leads to the provincial solidarity, religious harmony, love, peace and brotherhood among the nation,” she said. All artisans who had travelled far and wide to participate in the festival received trophies and cash prizes.
The Norwegian Ambassador Cecile Landsverk also attended the ceremony and presented the awards. The ambassador said, “Culture is our priority area. Our objective is to help preserve and strengthen Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.”
Discussing the criteria for giving out the prizes, Abdullah Baloch, one of jury members, said “The jury held detailed meetings over the last three days and minutely observed the workings of each participating artisan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2012.
The whirlwind of activity came to a close with a colourful award ceremony at the Lok Virsa on Friday. The Lok Mela festival, that had been continuing for the past week, featured folk artists and craftspersons from all provinces of the country. Apart from the art and handicrafts, people from the twin cities had thoroughly enjoyed the local cuisines and traditional performances by folk artists.
However, on the final day, it was the time to acknowledge the efforts and hardwork of artisans who had travelled all the way to Islamabad for the festival.
At the ceremony, awards were categorised into provinces and each artist was given cash prizes sponsored by individuals and organisations. The prizes were given out on recommendations of a national jury constituted by Lok Virsa.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki awarded the participants. “In my view, culture is the path that leads to the provincial solidarity, religious harmony, love, peace and brotherhood among the nation,” she said. All artisans who had travelled far and wide to participate in the festival received trophies and cash prizes.
The Norwegian Ambassador Cecile Landsverk also attended the ceremony and presented the awards. The ambassador said, “Culture is our priority area. Our objective is to help preserve and strengthen Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.”
Discussing the criteria for giving out the prizes, Abdullah Baloch, one of jury members, said “The jury held detailed meetings over the last three days and minutely observed the workings of each participating artisan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2012.