Whereas the moving float on the roads of Federal Capital Sunday reminded the residents of Islamabad the military parades which used to be held on 23rd of March on Pakistan Day and 14 August, the Independence Day, it rejuvenated the patriotism among the youth when the float was stationed finally at Parade Avenue and Akhtar Channal rendered ‘Buddhay Baloch Ki Nasihat Betay ko’- with the verse ‘Ho Tere Bayaban Ki Hawa Tujh Ko Gawara- Iss Dasht Se Behter Hai Na Dilli Na Bukhara’ (the winds of these wasteland be your love- Bokhara, Delhi, are worth no more).
It was a freezing day and the evening grew even more chillier, and gathering was scant but Channal’s voice singing ‘Ghairat Hai Bari Cheez Jahan-e-Tagg-o-Dou Mein- Pehnati Hai Darvesh Ko Taj-e-Sar-E-Dara’ (Honour, that highest thing in a world of troubling struggle- Sets on the darvesh’s head the Darius’ crown) was deep enough to make the hearts of participants warm and environment cozy enough to impart the message of founder of the nation- Muhammad Ali Jinnah through poetry of Iqbal.
The two cultural originations- Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Lok Virsa in collaboration with Ministry of National Heritage and Integration celebrated the 135th birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah with a great fervour and enthusiasm here on Sunday.
The most exciting event for the residents of twin cities of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi was the specially designed the moving float representing the beautiful culture of all provinces and federating units of the country that traveled around the capital city.
The float started its journey from the Parade Avenue, outside the Parliament’s building to Sector F-10 and then returned to the starting point. Outstanding folk artists and musicians, attired in regional costumes, performed on the float and attracted public a lot through their thrilling performances.
At the end, a ceremony was taken place at the avenue wherein the services of the great leader were highlighted through purely a cultural perspective.
Folk artists who performed on the occasion were Akhtar Channal and his troupe, Mureed Buledi, Musarrat, Qurban Niazi, Rukhshana Murtaza and Sunny Group. The folk dance groups performed Khattak, Dharees and Sami. All the artists and musicians were presented by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). While talking to this scribe, a university student, Sana Imran, highly appreciated the idea of creating the float and paying tribute to the great leader in such a unique way. Another student, Haider, said “Lok Virsa and PNCA- both always come up with a brilliant concept to project the culture and traditions of this country. We all must support them in their initiatives”.
Talking to the media, Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid said that all these activities including the creation of the float were organised by Lok Virsa and PNCA under the instructions from Federal Minister Samina Khaid Ghurki and, Secretary Faridullah Khan of the Ministry of National Heritage and Integration. He thanked the the ministry for its cooperation.
PNCA Director General Tauqir Nasir said the float was a new creative idea to showcase cultural colours of all the provinces strengthening the saying of Quaid – ‘Unity, Faith and Discipline’.
“We, especially the youth of this country need to follow the footsteps of Quaid to make this country prosperous, and independent in the real sense of the word,” Nasir said, adding that the PNCA always highlighted the passion for patriotism and cultural assets of Pakistan and the same spirit was behind the Sunday’s event. Pakistan National Heritage Museum (known as Heritage Museum) at Garden Avenue as well as Pakistan Monument Museum adjacent to National Monument, Shakaparian also remained open for the public throughout the day and offered 50% special rebate on entry tickets for the citizens. Besides Quaid-e-Azam day programmes, Christmas was also celebrated by Lok Virsa with active participation of the Christians. A cake cutting ceremony was also held at the Heritage Museum and a Christmas tree was also erected at the museum and Santa Clause distributed gifts among children visiting the Lok Virsa premises.
