It is a story of distant past when the notion of 'art for art' was prevalent amongst art circles. People have much grown up now. In the modern time the art could only be survived if it is directly linked with the betterment of society.
This mindset was seen on August 18 while an exhibition of photographs was organised at the Media Centre of traffic police of the capital in collaboration with the Rawalpindi/Islamabad Photojournalists Association. The main objective of the event was to enhance the awareness with regard to the safety of human life and property during mobility on roads.
Twelve photojournalists of the twin cities took part in the exhibition. It may be recalled that the genre of photojournalism carries altogether different skills especially timing, precision and judgement with regard to the incident or a moment, which the photojournalist has to preserve in his/her camera. Photography of the images occur on road usually in high speed is quiet a difficult affair.
It is, however, the acumen of the photojournalist, which make it possible. The exhibition speaks itself the high quality professionalism of our photojournalists. They have very successfully captured a variety of incidents with different angles showing the road culture of our society. Most of the exhibits carry certain explicit message for the commuters and general public with regard to safety of their lives.
The exhibition in itself showcased the sacred perception of preciousness of human dignity, honour and life. Kalim Imam, IGP lauded the services of photojournalists in organising a multi-faceted event, which would not only foster the awareness about the traffic norms amongst the general public resulting in safety of people's lives but also bring police and society more closer.
He also appreciated the critical approach of the media as it helps the institution to improve its quality of service.
He announced awards for ten best exhibits in appreciation of the art and the artists. Dr Sultan Azam Temori, SSP (traffic) was also present on the occasion. It may be recalled that Temori is a person who has courageously established a fair traffic culture in the capital.
He has demolished the vip culture from road traffic of the city. During his both the tenures numerous big guns including ministers, chief ministers, ambassadors, police and army officers and journalists were booked for the violation of traffic rules. Dr Temori was full of appreciation for photojournalists' professional endeavours aiming to create a safe and sound traffic culture in our society.
'This exhibition should also be shown in other cities also for the benefit of people as it motivates the viewers to learn more awareness about the traffic culture for the safety of their precious lives.' It was commented by a school teacher who came to the exhibition along with his pupils.
Fashion - luxury or conscience: The Huner Collection organised an exhibition of textile indigenous styles and traditions on August 18. The significant aspect of the event was that it was evolved on humanitarian ground as all the proceeds would be either gone to the welfare and treatment of leprosy stricken people or home-based craftswomen who accomplished the exhibition.
It is known that the Huner Collection is formed with the main objective of helping leprosy patients and the craftswomen engaged in different crafts and trades all over the country. The Huner people provide guidance to the workers with regard to the raw material, designing and also create market for their products. They have developed a guiding principal as 'fashion not a luxury but a conscience'.
Fashion should always be mode of expression of individual and collective aspirations of life. It carries the indigenous rituals and traditional modalities too. It is, therefore, earnest that fashion should always be an exponent of social conscience of the people. The exhibition offers a colourful collection of clothes representing the cultural blend of various regions of the country.
The finished products speak the craftsmanship, expertise and aesthetics of our workers and artisans. The 'khadi' (hand woven) cloth made by women hailing from Bahawalpur, 'tanchui' from Khairpur and 'lungi' from Jhang remained the most attractive and popular items of the show.
Martin Luther King reading room: A reading room after the name of Martin Luther King, the great American champion of civil rights, has been set up at Islamabad Club by the US embassy in Islamabad on August 20. The twin cities have been lacking libraries and reading rooms for a long time, which shows the intellectual poverty and ignorance prevailed in our degenerating society. Gone are the days when each and every locality of our cities and towns were equipped with 'Ana libraries'.
With the invent of new gadgets in information technology several traditions died including the facilities of libraries. In past Rawalpindi had few libraries run either by army institute, cantonment board, improvement trust or Pakistan national centre (now defunct). Besides there was a well equipped library run by USIS but was burnt in Zia era by local agitators.
There were three public libraries in Islamabad. One run by USIS which was closed down due to certain security concerns. Out of remaining two, one children library was first sieged by cleric bands two years back followed by its complete destruction by the authorities.
The remaining library called the National Library is literally banned for the nation due to its location in high red zone of the capital. Under such gloomy perspective the launch of a reading room even at elite class Islamabad Club is commendable.
The MLK reading room is equipped with books on history, culture, arts, economy, politics, diplomacy and international relations etc. In addition to books, magazines and DVDs, there would be audio visual facilities available to see documentaries and movies etc.
US embassy public affairs counsellor Gonzalo R. Gallagos while speaking on the launch of the reading room hoped that this initiative would prove a useful instrument of fostering better understanding between the two people. People of Pakistan appreciate the knowledge oriented step taken by US, however they also expect US to match it with her brutal drone attacks on our sovereign soil. Better understanding can never be nurtured in ponds of human blood and flesh.
Pop concert at Lok Virsa: The young generation of Pakistan proved that it could response well to good music. It was seen on August 19 at Lok Virsa premises while vibrant and melodious Atif Aslam sung his most popular numbers to a predominantly young audience.
The concert was a joint venture of Lok Virsa and the Dolphin Communication of dynamic producer Asma Butt. In the beginning Lahore-based Wazir Bobi along with his band presented few items which were well received by the audience.
It was a good tradition to introduce promising artistes prior to the entrance of the key performer. It offers opportunity to budding artistes to expose themselves before the audience. It enhance there confidence level and also accelerate the process of continuity of art tradition.
Atif Aslam was received with full enthusiasm by the youngsters which shows his popularity and the genre he offers to our youth. His numbers like 'Bighi Bighi Yaden', 'Adat', 'Mahi Way', 'Pehli Nazar', 'Teray Bin' and 'Tum Say He' were highly appreciated by the audience.
The show was a great success. Our governmental managers should think over such events. 'Can we get our youngsters engaged in such healthy activities for building their collective personality on the foundation of cherished values of love, peace, harmony and tolerance?' asked a senior citizen who attended the concert. Most of the people, especially the youth around him endorsed his views.