LAHORE The more you think about life, the more you feel mortality because the beauty is destined to be ugliness; the young-looking has a fate to be ripened and every living being is bound to depart sooner or later. Todays bright guys might be grey tomorrow, but it is the art that lives forever and the artists, through their artistic emblems, will never be dim with the tides of time. With the advent of the computer, it was feared that many types of art, including calligraphy might lose their status, but it not only survived but also earned a new position in the world of fine arts. Despite facing severe breach in political leadership, Pakistan is far rich in many fields such games, acting, music, poetry, theater, journalism, and calligraphy. The latter one (calligraphy) is determined to keep its colours clear despite lacking the state sponsorship, as some of the families are striving hard to elevate it to the height of glory. Late Abdul Wahid Nadirul Qalam and his son Munawarul Islam remained persistent in this profession, giving it a status of deity to be loved and adored. Having the legacy of his father, Munawar did his graduation in 1963. Much of his talent was inherited from his father who was, no doubt, a giant in classical calligraphy. Munawar shares a lot of traits in calligraphy with his father, but occasionally resorts to calligraphic arts as well. Though his father mostly patronised the classical Nastaliq even for the holy words, Munawars interest is in Dewani style of calligraphy. This was a type of script which was particularly forwarded and patronised by the kings and emperors for inscribing proclamations, decrees, etc. In a way, it was the script of the royal court, particularly during the long rule of the Mughals and the Sikhs. I do not strictly confine myself to Dewani. I love variations with Kufic style; like knotted or plaited and regular Kufi as well. These two scripts are very time consuming for a calligrapher but they yield extremely artistic results. Their elegance is matchless. These scripts have a rhythm of their own and at the same time they have an intriguing appeal for the reader, on-looker or connoisseur. I have many kinds of colour schemes and compositions. Some times I depict the words on an absolutely flat coloured background and sometimes, I work for hours defining and delineating the backgrounds which results in the form of visual texture, not tactile. The most outstanding feature of my work is that I know no boundaries of the realm of the colours, said Munawar during a chat with TheNation. He said, I consider calligraphy a sacred profession; to me it is not only adoration, but also an object of worship. I also pray to God to bless it with reception and recognition. There are countless calligraphers in our country. Many of our great teachers are not present among us today. But you can see their master art inscribed on the mosques, shrines and other places. Munawars work is on permanent display at Faysal Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lahore, at Lucky Cement head office, Mughal Steel, Brighto Paints, Anmol Hospital, Cavalry Hospital, Dental Professionals, Garrison Degree College, and in private collections. His calligraphic work is also on permanent display at Garrison Mosque, Jamia Mosque Sui Gas Colony, Civil Line Police Station, Hamail Art Gallery, Kainaat Art Gallery, and Bab-e Pakistan. Honored with Gold Medals and Quaid-e-Azam Medal, the artist has participated in many group exhibitions of calligraphy and art inside and outside the country. He did different experiments and formed his own style, which is very attractive and pleasant. He has devoted himself for the promotion of oriental classic art in marvelous style. Ibne Nadirul Qalam has worked several hours for his different style in calligraphy; he has passion for Dewni style of calligraphy. That is why he is acclaimed as a Dewana Calligrapher. Famous painter Aslam Kamal says Munawar has chosen Dewani style because he has vast tradition of artistic and calligraphic aesthetics of his father. Allama Javed Ghamdi says The calligraphy paintings of Munawar Islam are unique and beautiful because of his rich tradition and artistic expertise. Former Lahore High Court Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif is of the view that the works of Munawar Islam reflect spiritual meditation. He said he had creative ability to do something new. I feel that I am praying when seeing his artwork, he added. Famous calligrapher Khursheed Alam Gohar Qalam said, Although Munawar Islam has a rich profile from his father, but he is also a creative and sensible calligrapher and artist. He creates conceptual paintings with variety of colour combinations and compositions.