ISLAMABAD: A seven-day pottery making event commenced on Monday at Lok Virsa as part of a series titled ‘Craft of the Month’.

Renowned puppeteer, voice actor, script writer and television commentator Farooq Qaiser was the chief guest at the opening ceremony.

Talking to the participants, Mr Qaiser said the link between culture and education could only be highlighted through such events.

Executive Director Lok Virsa Fauzia Saeed said Lok Virsa’s goal was to promote Pakistani culture and make the next generation take interest in it. She said the ongoing ‘Craft of the Month’ series aimed at promoting traditional skills and making the younger generation aware of how much hard work had gone into them.

She said: “It also encourages youth to value labour and instill a sense of ownership and pride for their culture. It creates respect for different professions. It helps make them understand the contribution of artisans in the sustainable development of their country.”

Students from schools across the twin cities attended the opening ceremony which featured colourful performances, cultural diversity shows and Qawwali recitals.

The students of Islamabad Model School for Girls F-11 performed a stirring performance to the famous Qawali, Tajdar-e-Haram.

Four masters from the art of pottery making from across the country will be participating in the seven-day event.

They include Niaz Ahmed from Saidpur Village, Sardar Ali from Peshawar, Naveed from Multan and Fariq Mohammad from Sindh.

The programme will continue till October 11 and registration to participate is free. So far 40 students between the ages of six and 14 from different schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are set to take part. The event is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

The programme is being organised by Lok Virsa in collaboration with Federal Directorate of Education and Pakistan Baitul Mal.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2015

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