Staff Reporter
Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood on Thursday inaugurated “Arts and Culture Scholarship program” here at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the minister said that under the program a total 400 scholarships would be awarded in current year with total of Rs. 76 million allocations.
He said that this was a unique initiative by the Ministry through National Endowment Scholarship for Talent (NEST), to promote Arts & Culture in Pakistan, including diverse fields like Film, Theatre, Visual Arts, Ceramic & Textile design.
The minister said that the main objective of this program was to provide scholarships to the needy and talented students, focusing on neglected areas in Education.
“This is in line with the Government Policy for providing vertical mobility to the most vulnerable segments of Society and to eradicate poverty” Shafqat Mehmood added.
He said that Arts and Culture are important because it preserves our heritage, adding that art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time.
The minister said that the first stage of the program comprises upon 400 scholarships for current Year 2020. “We have included 15 top Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognized and Degree awarding Institutes of Pakistan both from public and private sectors” he said.
Shafqat Mehmood said that six months before this idea was discussed and today inaugurated the scholarship program for the students of art and culture. He said that this was start and it will be further expended in future. He said that Pakistan has rich cultural heritage.
