Islamabad: (Parliament Times) Children training program in stone carving, doll making and mirror work being held under the aegis of the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) began here on Tuesday.
The program aims at promoting traditional skills and inculcating awareness among younger generation, special children about the indigenous folk culture of Pakistan. Around hundred students from various schools working under the administrative control of Federal Directorate of Education and special youth from Directorate General for Special Education are participating in the training program and learning craft making techniques from master artisans at the beautiful surroundings of Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.
The opening ceremony was attended and addressed by Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director, Lok Virsa, Mr. Asif Iqbal Khan Niazi, Director (Training), Federal Directorate of Education, artisans, teachers, media men and students hailing from different colleges of Islamabad
The ceremony featured a number of live folk musical performances rendered by children and folk artists attired in traditional costumes. Lok Virsa dance group presented thrilling performances based on famous folk songs from all provinces. Participants on the occasion commended the efforts of Lok Virsa in projecting the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan in such a beautiful and effective manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director, Lok Virsa said “The present focus of Lok Virsa is on our youth, who are the future of Pakistan. We want to get them acquainted with the indigenous folk culture of Pakistan. They have a great potentialâ€.
Mr. Asif Iqbal Khan Niazi, Director (Training), Federal Directorate of Education also commended the efforts of Lok Virsa and assured full cooperation from his department for all future programs of Lok Virsa.
The training program in stone carving, doll making and mirror work will continue till Sunday, 21 May 2017 at Heritage Museum with daily timings from 10 am to 5 pm. However, there will be a break for prayer on Friday, 19 May between 1 to 2.30 pm.