HYDERABAD, April 7: Teachers have been asked to help realise among the youth of today the value of education and how they can make use of the traditional skills and professions.

This was the crust of Dr N.A. Baloch’s speech - a scholar and educationist – at the inaugural ceremony of the one-week workshop on "Block printing and tie and dye" organized by the Institute of Art and Design University of Sindh, on Saturday.

Dr Baloch said it is important for students of art and design to study the old skill and craft of Sindh.

“During 1950s and 60s I tried my best to persuade teachers in generating inclination among the students towards the age-old dying professions for which a museum too, was established at the Faculty of Education,” said Dr Baloch.

He being an authority on folklore said “during that period a book titled Art and Craft was published for the guidance of the people of Sindh, adding in Muslim society hard work is respected as is evident from the scientists and scholars like Imam Ghazali, Umer Khayam, Abu Saeed, Alberooni. ”

He laid stress on the students of art and design to learn more about the old professions of art and craft.

He appreciated the efforts of Vice Chancellor of the University Mr Mazharul Haq Siddiqui for development of the University.

Dean Faculty of Arts Dr Muhammad Qasim Bughio highlighted different aspects of Sindhi Ajrak.

The Registrar of the University Muhammad Saleh Rajar said the University has moved a proposal for setting up small industrial units of cultural items, including Ajrak.

He said during a meeting with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) he had put up the proposal and added with the setting up of small industrial units, Ajrak manufacturing will receive a boost. He said proposals will be submitted to the HEC for financial assistance in this regard.

An Ajrak expert from Hala Muhammad Qasim Soomro said the word Ajrak was taken from Arabic word Azrak, adding that this is the oldest craft of Sindh and according to some scholars it perhaps is older than the Moenjodaro but the ignorance of the society has led the experts of Ajrak live a miserable life.