By Saman Rai & Waqar Jappa
Art and Punjab have always been synonym to each other. Especially, Lahore has been the fountainhead of all movements including cultural renaissance. The very word Lahore is enough to transport one into a world of celebrations; sports, music, dance, film, drama, fine arts, Sufi shrines and of course education. Over the years, Punjab has produced amazing talents in every expression of art. It is the land of opportunity, diversity, prosperity and open-heartedness. It is also the most hit province by extremism. But the good thing is that the people of Punjab have stood firm and defied any and every onslaught to their beloved Punjab.
Partly, it is their resilience that makes them unbreakable and invincible. But majorly, it is overall culture of “something happening” all the time that does not let people be overwhelmed by pessimism of extremism. The latter has an amazing magic effect that needs to be understood and acknowledged. It has been possible because certain individuals have spent their lives creating this magic touch in different fields of art. Be it film, radio, drama, music, dance, fine arts or any other genre of art. These artists have made their fellow countrymen proud through magnificent contribution of their genius over the years.
Information and Culture Department is mandated with the task of promoting arts and culture which is being done vigorously at present. The conferring of awards to eminent personalities is warranted keeping in view that the provincial government has never acknowledged their contribution in the past owing to one reason or another. There is serious dearth of awards for deserving artists and craftsmen in the provincial government. Keeping this in view, Information and Culture Department held the ceremony of its 1st “Kamal-e-Fun” awards at cultural complex Qadaffi Stadium Lahore. As many as 50 awards were given in the categories of folk music and traditional crafts. The award constitutes a medal of recognition and Rs 0.2 million.
Artisans, craftsmen and folk singers from across the province graced the ceremony. Many emotional scenes were witnessed as the craftsmen burst into tears of joy for this historic and much-needed initiative by the Information and Culture Department. One lives in hope that this fresh air of change in the culture section keeps on blowing for a longer period!
This is good initiative at the part of punjab government and information deptt as well for the promotion of traditional music, a neglected field. I wana congratulate all those who did this great job.
Your efforts deserve apperciation n admiration… u hv really brought happiness, smiles n recognition to unknown names by acknowledging their talent… same efforts should be continued to make performing arts alive… ?
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