ISLAMABAD: National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) organised the launching ceremony of its two newly published books tilled ‘Aangai’ and ‘Chitral Ke Lok Geet’ with the great musical performance by renowned folk singer Mansoor Ali Shabab from Chitral.
Senate Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas Chairman Senator Usman Khan Kakar was the chief guest on the occasion.
Lok Virsa Executive Director (ED) Dr Fouzia Saeed, while introducing the books said that ‘Chitral Ke Lok Geet’ was written by Mohammad Irfan and published by Lok Virsa. This book is about folk songs of Chitral.
As the name suggests, the book delves into the scenic musical landscape of Chitral region, describing the culture of music and musicians, their lifestyles and various forms of the instrument being played there and its historical evolution.
Dr Fouzia also said that Aangai is a compilation of poetry which reflects on the struggles of Karak brides of Balochistan. The poetry serves as a much-needed expression to the myriad of challenges that they have faced historically, and an introspection from their viewpoint, she added.
The book is written by Ali Kamil Qazalbash and published by Lok Virsa, Lok Virsa ED stated.
She also said that this would be a literary event dedicated to the actual stories that those books tell, and the struggles in putting together such extensive pieces of research.
Senator Usman Khan Kakar said, “Lok Virsa deserves commendation for doing an excellent job in collecting and preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage that we inherited from our forefathers.” He appreciated the work of Lok Virsa for promoting and projecting the indigenous folk culture of Pakistan, especially that of less developed areas.
Noted musicians from Chitral captivated the crowd through their mesmerising performances.
Prominent columnist and poetess Kishwar Naheed, while speaking on the occasion, said that Lok Virsa is doing its best to create a sense of realisation among the new generation about the importance of their diverse cultural identity.
