CAPITAL CULTURAL SCENE: Smiling images of Pakistan

An enchanting display of smiling images of Pakistan, created by eminent French artist Didier Randot, have been on display at the Alliance Francaise. The French ambassador Regis de Belenet inaugurated the exhibition on June 6.
While commenting on the significance of the event, he said that bilateralism, through art and cultural activities, always plays a vital role in enhancing inter-faith harmony and friendship among people of diversified cultural traits. He appreciated the most ancient cultural heritage of Pakistan and its grandeur on the world horizon.
He lauded the creative pursuits of the French artist who had developed a keen insight towards the great cultural heritage of the people of this country. He acclaimed the work of Didier Randot who had skilfully captured the moods and habitat of the local people, as well as the historical places and sites, and termed it as the linkage between two countries.
The artist Didier Randot, introducing his sketches and engravings, said that prior to translating the smiling images of Pakistani people and places, he thoroughly immersed himself into them and their environment. With such a process, what he created seems very near to reality.
The work depicting the historical Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques in Lahore, and other significant places and sites, in different part of the country, alongwith people, could be termed as a rare treat for art enthusiasts of the capital. A Pakistani art student Arshed Jamil offered his comments on the display, "It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the artist from another country like France. It has enhanced our vision and motivation to learn more".
It may be recalled that the government of Pakistan has already built a strong cultural linkage with over 50 countries for cultural exchange. A large number of cultural delegations and troupes visit Pakistan, and in reciprocation, Pakistani artists and delegation go abroad.
The Pakistan National Council of Arts enjoys a commendable track record of maintaining bilateral cultural exchanges with friendly countries.
THE CLASSICAL MUSIC HERITAGE:
As an abode of the world's most ancient civilisations Pakistan possesses a rich cultural heritage nurtured here since time immemorial. It is however lamented that, despite its richness, due to the unrealistic approach of the concerned quarters, a deep sense of belonging and pride could not be established among the people towards their heritage.
It is however a sign of satisfaction that, for some time, conscientious segments in the public and private sectors have come forward, in their areas of interest, including classical music, to preserve our glorious heritage. The Classical Music Heritage Trust stands distinctive for its an interest for classical music amongst the new generation.
In with the rage for pop music it is not an easy to re-establish a dying genre of art. However, CMHT started training classes to impart education in classical music in collaboration with Shalimar TV channel. Concurrently, it keeps organising concert with budding and senior classical artists. The music evening held on June 4 here was one of its series of events.
The lively evening commenced with a popular song by famous singer Talat Mehmood reproduced here by Dr Seema Khan and Abdul Sattar Durrani, both devoted art enthusiasts. It was followed by raag Maigh presented by Husna. Dr Seema Khan presented her second rendition in raag Bageshri, Suleman played Raag Des on the flute and Sultan Fateh Ali, son of Ustad Barey Fateh Ali Khan, gave his rendition in several raags.
Masayuki Taga, the first secretary of the Japanese embassy and the host of the evening played the popular tune of 'Dil Dil Pakistan' on the trumpet and won the warm appreciation of the audience.
The enthusiasts of the art of classical music have a long way to go to establish their credentials. However, their dedication and devotion for the preservation and promotion of the genre is superb and deserves acclamation.
INNOCENT AMBASSADORS OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE:
It was indeed a unique occasion of inter faith harmony and human fraternity on June 6 at Sheikh Zayed International Academy (SZIA) to mark the annual get together of students, teachers and parents.
All of them belong to over 24 nations of the world. Thus the cultural segments including dances, music, costumes and cuisine shown and displayed on the occasion represented almost one forth of the nations living on this planet earth.
The regional representative of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), Hasan Abdul Monem Mustafa, was the chief guest and highly appreciative of the event with the following comments "The IOM is an international engaged in orderly migration among the comity of nations, for the ultimate destination of better schooling of innocent kids. Our mission is to bring the nations together and create understanding among the new generation through their schooling. Undoubtedly, the children of this academy have achieved their target of excellence under the guidance of their able teachers."
The principal of the Szia, Wafa Ghaffar reiterated her resolution towards interfaith harmony and understanding among young kids and termed them as innocent ambassadors of love, peace and understanding.
She said, "Our mission is to create a caring environment, where every endeavour is made to meet the needs of students, who are thus challenged to strive for personal excellence in academic pursuits, so that they may realise their own potential."
GOGI, CARTOONS AND CHILDREN:
Nigar Nazar is the first ever female cartoonist of Pakistan. She has earned name and fame for her persistent contributions towards the environment, education, childcare and other social cultural issues through cartoon art.
It is a said fact that our society and concerned quarters could not do their duty the young generation. We lack children's literature that is based in our indigenous socio-cultural environment. Nigar Nazar's effort to launch a new book on environment for children is a step forward in the right direction by a conscientious female individual.
The book is in Urdu and titled "Kooray ka Jin" (The Jin of Garbage)'. The book pertains to the famous and charming cartoon character, popularly known as Gogi, in colorful reproductions. It teaches small kids how to keep their environment clean and beautiful. Nigar Nazar says about his venture, "Innocent minds are more flexible to learn virtues at an early age.
The kids are inspired more by colors, cartoons and caricatures. If the book carries an interesting game facility, it would be an added attraction for a child."
Besides reading the story of 'Blessings of nature', kids could also play a game of it, with two dice. Nigar Nazar said that she intends to conduct summer cartoon classes very soon at a local art council to explore the hidden innovative qualities of our kids.