ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) on Monday launched a series of programmes titled “Craft is knowledge” with an aim to revive some of the traditional skills and raise awareness about the craft heritage of Pakistan among the younger generation.

As the truck art is exclusively done in Pakistan, it was decided to create awareness among the young generation about it.

Artisans were also invited to show the youngsters that how trucks are painted.

As many as 40 students (aged 6-14 years) from various schools and colleges functioning under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) are participating in the truck artwork training which will end on September 22.

Apart from students from different schools/colleges, visiting children are also encouraged to learn the craft making techniques from artisans.

Maham Bukhari, an ‘O’ level student, told mediapersons that she always had been interested in learning the truck art due to the use of vibrant colours.

“I know I cannot exactly paint trucks but the craft can be blended with modern techniques for other purposes,” she said.

Federal Secretary Information Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, who was chief guest at the ceremony, said respecting each other’s culture is very important for creating tolerance and diversity.

“You showed the power of diversity through your performances. Culture brings people together and ultimately makes a country stronger and peaceful. So it is very important to participate in such events along with children belonging to different cultures,” he said.

Lok Virsa Executive Director Dr Fouzia Saeed said the initiative was launched especially for young children.

“Our heritage museum highlights one craft every month with artisans and experts available for children to engage and learn from them. These craft-persons not only display their crafts and make them in front of the people but also teach and have materials for them to experiment with the medium. This, we hope will give them a hands-on opportunity to become familiar with the folk crafts,” she said.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2017