RAWALPINDI, (Parliament Times) : The Punjab Culture Department has crossed several milestones in the last three years. On the special interest and instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, several steps have been taken in the last three years to promote cultural heritage in Punjab. Despite the epidemic, more than five hundred programs related to fine arts, literature, music and drama were organized by Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi. The federal and provincial governments are encouraging the youth in every possible way. In this regard, thousands of youths have been given an opportunity to express their art through the Punjab Talent Hunt program. Singing, musical instruments, poetry, fiction writing, painting, short film, and handicraft competitions were held in which millions of cash prizes were given at district, divisional and provincial level. The children receiving the prizes were specially invited to the Chief Minister’s House in which Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar awarded special prizes. Due to the love of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar for the artists of Punjab, several welfare schemes were started. Artist Support Fund was launched for senior artists which is benefiting more than 1500 artists from all over Punjab. Hundreds of artists have been assisted through this program. Artists from all over Punjab have been given financial assistance due to the closure of events in view of the Corona epidemic. Arts Councils are under construction in Bhakkar and Sheikhupura while approval has also been given for establismnet of arts councils in Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Taunsa Sharif. Thousands of young people annually benefit from training courses at Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi and are playing a significant role in all walks of life.
