High-spirited: Chirpy performances, colourful costumes mark solidarity with Kashmiris

Young students from around the twin cities present tableaus, songs at PNCA.

ISLAMABAD:

Students gathered at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on Monday to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day with spirited songs and performances.

Various government and private schools gathered decked in traditional Kashmiri clothing in high spirits, chanting “Pakistan Zindabad”. Before their performances, students were treated to a puppet show by PNCA complete with patriotic songs.

Although they were young, many students seemed well informed on the situation of Kashmir.

“As the youth of this country it is up to us to demand justice for the Kashmiris and push for a referendum for the people,” stated Hira, a student from Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG).

The event was hosted by well known Radio Jockey Ali Khokar, who kept the atmosphere upbeat with anecdotes and jokes.

A Kashmiri song by Hadiqa Kiani “Man di mouj wich hasna” seemed to be the anthem for the day as the song was sung and performed by various students several times.



Jabeen and Maria from IMCG F-6/1 sang the famous folk song while Islamabad Science School presented a tableau on it.

Amir Ahmed and Kabir Ahmed from The City School, Satellite Town, took the stage to sing “Eh dunya ke munsifo “ which received a standing ovation from the students.

Although not many outsiders came to watch the performances, this minor setback did not seem to deter the students.

“It doesn’t matter we can clap for each other. Every year we come here to perform but somehow elders don’t want to take the effort of coming here and watching us,” said a cheerful Maham, a student of class 5.

The most endearing performance of the day was little children from Divisional Public School, Rawalpindi, dressed in white fairy costumes dancing to “Khuda sei mannat hai meri” joined by little girls dressed as Kashmiris. The performances were followed by fiery speeches and ended with a prize distribution ceremony for all the young participants.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.