Islamabad: (Parliament Times) International Museum Day was observed throughout the world including Pakistan to highlight importance of museums and their role for the betterment of society.
To mark the day, the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) in collaboration with Federal Directorate of Education and Directorate General for Special Education organized a number of special programs here at Shakarparian. The special focus of all programs was on children and youth and their future role in the prosperity of Pakistan. These included children Artisans-at-work exhibition, children painting contest on “Museum is My Home†and live folk musical performances by folk artists and musicians. Thousands of children studying in various schools of Federal Directorate of Education & special youth from different training centres of Directorate General for Special Education as well as children of families of visitors attended the programs with a great fervor and enthusiasm. The entire Lok Virsa complex was giving a festive look.
A prestigious ceremony to recognize talent of children who participated in the children contest was held at Heritage Museum. Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Executive Director, Lok Virsa and Dr. Ehsan Mahmood, Principal, Islamabad Model College for Boys, I-10/1 distributed the certificates in full view of the media. Forty students of Islamabad Model College for Boys I-10/1, Islamabad Model College for Girls I-9/1 & Islamabad Model School for Girls G-6/1-3 and 10 special youth took part in the contest. They made their drawings focusing on the dioramic displays at the Heritage Museum.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director, Lok Virsa Dr. Fouzia Saeed highlighted the importance of museums in today’s modern world with special reference to the role of Lok Virsa museums in service of the nation. She said “Lok Virsa operates two national museums: Heritage Museum depicting living cultural heritage and Pakistan Monument Museum portraying history of Pakistan, both presented through three-dimensional creative manner. These museums are important show-windows at the federal capital to showcase our magnificent cultural heritage not only to our people but also to the foreign delegatesâ€.
She further added “we have opened our doors for children and youth in order to get them acquainted with our rich cultural heritage. I am glad to see that a large number of children are adding to our family day by dayâ€. She thanked Federal Directorate of Education and Directorate of Special Education for their continued support in harnessing culture among youth.
Dr. Ehsan Mahmood, Principal, IMCB I-10/1 commended efforts of Lok Virsa in creating awareness among young generation about the folk heritage of Pakistan. He assured full cooperation from FDE for all future endeavours of Lok Virsa.