AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Federal Minister for National heritage and Integration Ms Samina Khalid Ghurki headed the award distribution ceremony of Lok Mela at Lok Virsa today.
Federal Minister said that folk festivals provide a golden opportunity to folk artists to win national and international recognition. She was of the opinion that culture and heritage of a country acts as an effective tool for the promotion of its soft image abroad.
She said that this sort of cultural programmes display the beauty and colorfulness of a country. She requested Chamber of Commerce to come forward and help in promotion of these folk artists abroad. She also requested Chamber of Commerce to reduce taxes on their handicrafts and various products
She announced that Ministry of National Heritage and integration will award 5 Lac rupees prize each year for these artists. She declared these artists as an asset of Pakistan and said that they will be facilitated regarding health, education, child marriages etc through Bait-ul-maal fund.
The Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of Lok Virsa for national integration and for safeguarding indigenous folk culture and artists of Pakistan. She said that it goes to the credit of Lok Virsa that it is organizing the 30th Lok Mela in the Capital and hoped that Lok Virsa will continue this tradition in future. She also expressed her hope that this festival will continue to provide an opportunity to people of remote areas of Pakistan to depict their rich culture, arts and crafts, music and traditions.
The Federal Minister distributed around 90 awards in various categories among artisans from all over Pakistan in Lok Mela. These awards were for block printing, lacquer work, pottery, tie and dye, doll making, camel skin work, bone work, darri weaving, papier mache, metal work, shawl weaving, carpet weaving, stone work, pattu weaving etc.
The ceremony was attended by Norwegian ambassador Ms. Cecilie Landsverk, Mr Zamurd Khan Chairman Pakistan Bait-ul-maal, Secretary National Hertiage and Integration Mr. Asaf Ghafoor and representatives of Small Industries from all provinces.
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