RAWALPINDI: A divisional art competition organised by the Punjab Council of the Arts and the School Education Department was held on Wednesday.

The competition was divided into three categories – the primary, elementary and secondary levels. Artist Shehnaz Akram and District Officer Secondary Education Mohammad Saeed Chaudhry were invited as the chief guests to the prize distribution ceremony, flanked by Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) Director Waqar Ahmed.

Attock resident Urwa won the primary level, with Amara Zafar from Jhelum winning second place and Malaika Bibi from Chakwal coming in third. At the elementary level, Afifa Mughal from Jhelum one first place, Zainab Ashfaq from Rawalpindi won second and Maria from Attock won third.

Areeba Sajid from Rawalpindi secured first place in the secondary level, followed by Kiran Rashid from Jhelum and Danish Farid from Rawalpindi.

Contestants in the primary level were given the theme Sarsabz Punjab, while the elementary level was given Dengue ko Mat, Safai k Sath and the secondary level was given Taleem Sab K Liye.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Mr Saeed said social issues are highlighted to such competitions.

Ms Akram said the students were given interesting subject for the competition and such positive activities should continue.

She said younger generations need attention from senior artists, and young artists should explore new ideas and the work of senior artists. Fine art is a medium through which people can improve the country’s image in the world.

Mr Ahmed said new talent was emerging throughout Rawalpindi division. The RAC wanted to bring new talent from the region and has provided a platform to school and university students to showcase their talent in this regard.

There are a number of artists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad who need a platform, and the RAC has given them a space to exhibit their work, he added. All forms of fine art are being taught at the council and the new generation can benefit from this, he said.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2019