An insight into Brazil’s life and culture

Brazilian Embassy launches guidebook for the younger generation.

ISLAMABAD:

To mark its independence day, celebrate 60 years of its embassy in Pakistan and 64 years of diplomatic relations, the Brazilian Embassy has published a guidebook, “Knowing Brazil”, for the Pakistani youth and students.

“The book has been launched so that the younger generation in Pakistan can learn about our country and foster relationship in future,” said Brazilian Ambassador Alfredo Leoni while addressing the guidebook’s launching ceremony at the National Library Auditorium on Monday. The ceremony brought together several embassy officials, human rights activists, intellectuals and academics.

“The book is one in many which the embassy plans to publish to strengthen relationship with Pakistan,” said Helena Lobato da Jornada, the embassy’s second secretary.

While sharing her thoughts with The Express Tribune, Farhat Asif, the book’s co-author, said she came across various interesting facts while researching on Brazil. For instance, she found out that the country has the world’s sixth largest economy, sub-Saharan indigenous tribes and produces ethanol from sugarcane which can be used to fuel vehicles.

The guide itself is a quick read with large bold fonts and pictures, which allows it to be enjoyed by people from various age groups. It details some geographical facts about the country, but in a light-hearted tone. For example, the author points out that the country appears “heart-shaped” on the globe, which sticks in the reader’s mind. It also gives an insight into cuisines and recreational activities, such as surfing.

The ambassador also stressed that though Brazil is popularly known for football and carnivals, it has a lot to offer in the fields of education, culture and business.

Apart from the guidebook, the embassy has planned out month-long festivities and events to mark its independence day on September 7. The events include a lecture by renowned Brazilian curator and expert Roberto Padilla on Brazilian contemporary art at Kuch Khaas on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

Furthermore the embassy has also arranged an exhibition, “View of the other”, that features the work of a Pakistani and Brazilian photographer who attended an exchange art experiment to see the Pakistani culture from an outsider’s perspective. The exhibition will be held at the Brazilian Embassy from September 8 to 16.

On September 23, the embassy will host a piano recital by a Brazilian musician, while a movie festival will also be held from September 26 to 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2012.