Ikebana demonstration mesmerises nature lovers at PNCA

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement was demonstrated by 60 participants at a week-long workshop on Tuesday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The event was organised by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the PNCA to introduce popular Japanese floral art.
Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Oe said: “Ikebana, which literally means “flower kept alive”, developed into a distinct art form in Japan in the 15th century, and is now practiced all over the world including Pakistan.”
The attention given to the choice of plant material and container, the placement of branches, the relationship of the branches to the container and the surrounding space, has distinguished this art from simple decoration of flowers.
The simple but elegant appearance gives spiritual as well as aesthetic pleasure to the viewers of this form of art, he said. Ikebana aims at achieving beauty, harmony and balance, and at the same time, bringing relaxation and refinement.
“The spiritual aspect of Ikebana calls for appreciation of nature, and cultivation of the mind, which people leave behind in their daily lives,” he said. Hiroshi Oe added: “In Japan, Ikebana is used as decorations on a level with paintings and other art objects. The materials, containers and settings must have a sense of harmony with each other and with nature. Its essence is the beauty of colour combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the aesthetic taste of the artist.”
The event was a part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan this year.
The Japanese embassy will organise various events to introduce Japanese culture to the people of Pakistan to enhance understanding of the Japanese culture.
The demonstration was the outcome of a week-long Ikebana workshop that was conducted by Professor of Ikebana Asifa Ataka who studied this art from the Ikenobo School, one of the leading flower arrangement schools in Japan.
Later, the ambassador also awarded certificates to the participants of the workshop.
Cholistani artists enthrall audience at HEC: Cholistani nomadic artists set the cultural horizon of the federal capital ablaze with their sterling performance in an exclusive cultural programme titled ‘Cholistan Cultural Evening’ at the Higher Education Commission.
This cultural event was organised by the Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences (IUCPSS) in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission Pakistan.
IUCPSS is the county s’ first ever-inter university established by eight leading public sector higher education institutes to undertake collaborative efforts to strengthen social sciences, arts and humanities.
Vice chancellors, academicians, HEC officials and personalities belonging to various walks of life attended the cultural evening.
The event was part of the efforts being undertaken by the consortium to promote and preserve Pakistan’s culture and history.
IUCPSS Chairman and Islamia University of Bahawalpur Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mukhtar informed about the objectives and the background of the inter-university consortium and rich cultural heritage of the Cholistan region.
Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Javaid Laghari, the chief guest at the event, lauded the efforts of the IUCPSS and emphasised the importance of programs aiming at promoting cultural diversity and national harmony.
He said Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage and folk music.
The Cholistani artists and students of the Islamia University dramatic club enthralled the audience with live performances.
Punjab Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Saad Khan also gave a detailed presentation on the Cholistan Jeep rally.
HEC Executive Director Prof Dr Sohail H Naqvi said the universities should develop a close relationship with the local community for the preservation of local history and culture.
Cholistani artists Jamil Parwana, Naseer Mastana, Malang Hussain, Mureed Hussain entertained the audience with their renditions of famous Cholistani folk songs.