In previous columns the pathetic state of book culture with special reference to the degenerating library culture was discussed. It was also mentioned that the National Library of Pakistan, due to its location in a high security zone has almost lost its accessibility to general readers.
Since the library has been running against a heavy budgetary grant from the public exchequer, therefore it seems a great loss of money as well as of the great treasure of high literary worth that the library houses.
It is known that the National Library of Pakistan keeps a record number of 180,000 titles of books on a variety of subjects stretching from physical as well as social sciences. Over 220 newspapers and 1000 periodicals are available daily to the readers. Besides, approximately 10,000 rare books and 561 manuscripts are preserved here. As per the administration of the library claim there are about 120 visitors who come daily to benefit out of such a great treasure of literature. One must wonder on the vast gulf between the total available books, ie 180,000 and the total 120 readers.
Is it enough to build a mega architectural structure and keep a huge number of books there with the hope that the readership would emerge automatically. The modern concept of a library is simply contradictory to this rotten bureaucratic outlook. The library is considered a vibrant, dynamic and committed notion which demands the allied executive to create a congenial environment so that the maximum number of readership from all segments of society, should develop a passion for visiting libraries.
For that matter the directorate general libraries should plan a calendar of activities envisaging readership competition among school, college and university students along with seminars, workshops and book events aimed at the promotion of book readership culture in the country. The National Library of Pakistan falls under the administrative control of the ministry of education. It is suggested that ministry fix a mandatory library week in all educational institutions.
It would naturally foster a passion for book culture and reading habits. The NLP should try its best to increase the present meager number of 120 visitors for the 180,000 books available in the library.
THE INNOCENT DANCING ANGELS:
It seemed that a group of innocent dancing angels landed in the state of the art auditorium of the National Art Gallery of Pakistan, National Council of the Arts here on November 1. The little stars, attired in beautifully draped glittering costumes of different regional dances of Pakistan, gave their performance in such a superb style that the jam packed auditorium, with over 600 people capacity time and again, thundered with applause. The occasion was the 20th anniversary of the Grammer School Rawalpindi (GSR ) and the mega cultural event was themed on a famous poetic verse of Iqbal "Dyar e ishq main apna muqaam paida kr". The whole art and culture fabric was well knit within the given theme with special reference to production quality, aesthetics and performers' devotion to their assignments.
The most impressive segment of the cultural show were the regional dances of Pakistan. With the support of the multi-media accessories, a mini Pakistan was created in the auditorium. The majestic mountains of Himalayas, Hindukush, the lush green valley of Kashmir and northern Pakistan, the green plains of the Punjab and the busy streets of Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar were there. And the most charming and enthusiast kids presented the most exquisite dances of the Kalash and the Bhangra from Punjab.
The Kalash dance told a story of history, beauty and delicacy. Alexander of Macedon brought the vision of Greece to ancient Pakistan, where it found a home in the peaceful and receptive culture of the Buddhist Gandharah in the city of Taxila and with the high ups of Pakistan's northern part, Chitral. Against the backdrop of the majestic Central Asian mountains of the Hindukush, streams meet and flow into the mighty Indus river down to the plains and the sea. The waters support the tribal life in the tranquil secluded valleys. The Kalash a tribe of Pakistan has preserved its way of life, their dances depicting the people's closeness to nature. The attractive headgear of the girls is decorated with small cowry shells. On that evening the girl artists truly portrayed the life and culture of the Kalash valley people with lyrical movements and rhythmic footwork.
The Bhangra dance was the other charm of the evening. This dance is the symbol of color, vigour and energy of the lush green plains of Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan. The Bhangra dance is spurred by the beat of the dhol and the clanging rhythm of the chimta ( a giant pair of fire tongs). Girls and boys dance with joyful abandon, secure in the knowledge that the harvest is good. The kid performers did their best in delivering the joyful cultural modes of our people through this dance. The choreography was no doubt wonderful with the support of the most attractive and colorful costumes.
The cultural evening was also studded with qawwali and puppetry. These items were also received by the audience, consisting of students, teachers, parents and foreigners, with their loud applause. One of the European guests commented coming out of the auditorium at the end of the show "It is a wonderful Pakistan, full of peace, color and harmony which deserves to be loved by all humanity."
PAINTINGS PORTRAYING PEACEFUL PAKISTAN:
The Nomad Art Gallery has displayed a most charming seven artist group show of paintings titled "In pursuit of Pakistan: people and places" on November 1. A birds eye view suggests the viewer standing in front of an open window with panoramic human activities in the backdrop of beautiful landscape, rivers, plains, bazaars. The participating artists did justice to their commitment while artistically depicting the unity of Pakistani society, despite their diversified modes of cultural life.
Mubushir Iqbal hails from Jalalpurbhattian, a sub-urban area of Punjab and has developed a strong rapport with the landscape and simplicity. His paintings depict the socio-cultural ambience of our people in the realism school of painting. His exhibits about the traditional game of northern areas called 'buzkushi', the scenic beauty of the golden sunset, beaches and lively village life attract the viewer. "I paint the beauty of land to offer my gratitude to the creator of this beautiful universe" commented the artist about his creativity.
Ather Jamal also painted nature with special reference to the desert beauty of Pakistan. The charm of Tharparker's sands and the womenfolk braving the hardships of life are the focal points of Jamal's works. He has learnt how to divide the space splashing colors according to the mood of the subject and environment. "I love the impressionistic style as I feel it easier out my inner self through colors. Most of my paintings are a blend of texture with emerging figures".
Mahmood Ali works suggests the glory of daily Pakistani life in different parts of the country including Bhabra bazaar and Hathi chowk, Rawalpindi and the colorful activities of lahorites.
Moazzum Ali takes the viewers on an odyssey of the ancient civilisation of Pakistan, called the great Indus valley heritage of humanity. Pakistan and its people are indeed proud of being the custodians of the world's most ancient civilisations nurtured on their soil since time immemorial. The artist not only grasped the grandeur of our past but also portrayed it in a befitting manner. Moazzum too has developed a special love for Thar people and places. His paintings on the subject motivate the viewers to travel. It is now the obligation of the Ministry of Tourism to look into the matter and to plan boosting domestic tourism, with special reference to the deserts of Pakistan.