Lahore - A one- day festival titled ‘Greatness in Diversity’ at Avari on Wednesday highlighted Pakistani cultural colours with a series of sessions by heritage experts from Pakistan and the US.
The participants in the event stressed the need for devising a comprehensive cultural policy to preserve heritage and promote traditional art. In her inaugural address, Saleema Hashmi highlighted the importance of culture and preservation of heritage. She called for holding such events for the cause.
Call for draft
Additional Culture Secretary Saman Rai told the participants about the the Information and Culture Department attempt to to draft a comprehensive cultural policy.
“Pakistan does not have a proper culture policy in place. That does not mean attempts have not been made in the past to draft and implement the policy. The process is under way,” Saman said.
However the secretary laid stress on doing more, saying there is dire need of working for rediscovering and retelling the story of our history.” The government needs to support the promotion of local content to compete with international content, she said. Counter Lok Virsa attempts for culture policy draft, Executive Director Dr Fauzia said: “A fourth attempt to draft the policy was carried out by Lok Versa with the help of federal ministry of information, broadcasting and heritage in 2016 after nationwide consultations. But the policy is to be devised yet. We are still hoping for a positive change. Smithsonian Institution researcher Dr Robert Pontsieon said highlighted his work on traditional craft in Japan.
The Lost Chord
Traditional musical instrumentals like Sarangi, Pakhavaj and Sarinda were also played at the event while a number of such instruments were put on display at an exhibition titled ‘The Lost Chord’.. The exhibition was an effort to save dying traditions and intangible heritage of Pakistan. The festival ended by music evening of renowned folk singer Fazal Jutt, who performed in his traditional style of Folk Ballads of Punjab and enthralled the audience.
