A couple of exhibitions of calligraphic works, a Na'at competition and the observance of World Tourism Day were the highlights of religious-cultural activities in Lahore during the week under review.
The Government College University , Lahore served as the venue and provided facilitative assistance for the holding of an exhibition of calligraphic arts on September 27, which was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor Khalid Aftab in the presences of scores of senior artists, students of arts and lovers of calligraphic art. Entitled "Masterpieces by Munawwar Ibne Nadir-ul-Qalam it comprised 50 calligraphic works claimed to be a collection of Khate-Dewani style, notably of the 21st century.
Munawwar is known for his strong proclivity for using blue and green shades to create an environment of coolness, which helps the viewers in absorbing the subtle nuances of the intention and purpose of the creator of the artworks.
Born in a family of artists/calligraphers, pets and intellectuals of Kasur, Munawwar Ibne Nadir-ul-Qalam took lessons in calligraphy from his father Abdul Wahid Nadir-ul-Qalam at the age of 13 and created his first calligraphic work "Bismillah" when he was 17 years of age. Since then he has made it a habit to hold exhibitions on two occasions- during the month of Ramazan and on Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) every year.
****************The other exhibition of 40 artists had opened earlier in the week at the Lahore Arts Council (September 25) in which 40 calligraphy artists displayed their 90 works of art. Showcased in the exhibition were masterpieces of such renowned artists as Khurshid Alam Gohar Qalam, Mahboob Ali, Muhammad Ali Zahid, Khalid Akaash, Asghar Ali, Ahmed Ali Bhutta, Hafiz Anjum Mahmood, Irfan Qureshi, Arif Khan, Awais Suharwardi, Zakir Hasan and Saleem Haider Saleem.
Like elsewhere in the country, cricket frenzy gripped the people, especially on the day when the final match in the World 20-Twenty Cricket Cup was played between the teams of Pakistan and India , keeping the attention of the people away from other events in the city. They the Pakistan team lost in the nail-biting final, the people praised the skill and resolve of the members of their young team who except for a misjudged stroke by the last player cost the nation the coveted world cup.
****************Retired Justice Muhammad Ilyas, while presiding over a Na'at competition among students of different colleges in Lahore, said that recitations of Na'at was in line with Quranic injunctions as Allah Almighty has prasied Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in a number of the verses of the holy book. He also said that reciting of Na'ats by the young students was a happy trend in the current era of materialism. At the conclusion of the competitions prizes were given to the participants.
****************The World Tourism Day was observed in Lahore on September 27 to enlighten the people about the virtues of travelling, which not only brought new experiences in life but also provided enduring enjoyment. The theme for this year's observance of WTD was "Tourism open doors for women". To educate and create awareness among the people Tourism Development Corporation, Punjab , organised a special get-together for ladies and people involved in tourism industry at a local hotel, where a documentary film was screened in addition to providing a brief to the attendees. Earlier in the day, TDCP sponsored a programme at Lahore Arts Council at which a documentary was also screened. That was in addition to a programme for school children, which was also held at Lahore Arts Council.
****************Consequential to a petition filed in the Lahore High Court by the Director of Ajoka Theatre against a ban imposed on its stage play burqavganza, the chief court of the province issued a notice to the Ministry of Culture. The petitioner has claimed that the verbal ban on the staging of her play was imposed without lawful authority.
Theatre-goers in Lahore , according to reports appearing in a section of the local press, have also protested the ban on dancing imposed by the provincial Home Department, which they claim has deprived them of a source of entertainment.
****************In response to an appeal made by the septuagenerian wife of late classical vocalist Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan, the Punjab Chief Minister approved an ad hoc grant of Rs 200,000 to her to spend the evening of her life in relative comfort. Members of local music fraternity appreciated the gesture of the provincial Chief Executive.