Silver Jubilee celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) held here at the National Arts Gallery on Saturday night, offered beautiful illustration of the relationship existing between culture and industry.
In his opening statement, made before the commencement of cultural presentation, Ambassador Shin Un, of Korean Republic, welcomed the large number of guests who attended the event in spite of inclement weather.
The Ambassador remarked that the silver jubilee years are symbolic of deepening relationship between Pakistan and Korea, during which development of bilateral ties have continued. The event has synchronised both with the beginning of new era of democracy in Pakistan sprouting in the seasons of mirth, spring and multitudes of flowers.
On this occasion, the embassy presented a cultural festival from a country, once described in the West as the land of morning calm. But now Korea has been transformed as dynamic Korea, because the strength of its people is its culture. 'Culture represents the spiritual world of the people where they live, and Korean people are inspired towards progress by the strength of its culture.'
Pakistan National Council of the Arts Director General Naeem Tahir, responding to the Ambassador's gesture, appreciated the connection between spring and democracy.
Both, Korea and Pakistan started development planning at the same time and with similar development plans. However, Korea progressed onwards in speed as a role model for development in Asia. Now, Pakistan spurred with the spirit of democracy also aspires to take the same road and become a model of development in the South Asian region.
He thanked the Ambassador for a delightful cultural evening to mark the diplomatic event. Two South Korean multinational companies, Sambu Construction and the Sammi Daewoo Express Bus Company joined together in presenting the cultural programme which was a mix of traditional songs and dances as well as Fashion Show of the traditional Hanbok costume, which womenfolk wear on festive occasions in Korea.
The Pakistani audience got a feel of the Korean traditional Pansori, which had the telling of number of stories sung in controlled voice to the accompaniment of stirring tuned from Sambo reed and 12 stringed instruments.
It was supplemented by an exhibition of handicrafts displaying everyday utility items such as thimbles box country bed, pillows, needle pad, and coin purse, quilt cases, all exquisitely embroidered by ladies.
Specimens of Korean calligraphy were kept in the main foyer of the National Art Gallery. These were pieces of elegant writing in diverse style, done with brush that Koreans do 'to make their mind comfortable' The calligraphy attracted host of admirers.
Above all, the Korean artefacts related the preservation and conservation of an ancient heritage which has preserved its vitality over thousands of years and has survived the competition from various forms of Western arts. The lesson we Pakistanis could learn from the Korean exposition is that commercial and cultural concerns of Korea contribute to the preservation and continuation of art forms.