Noor’s story has touched millions raising awareness against gender-based violence: Shaukat Mukadam
Zubair Qureshi
The Pakistan National Council of the Arts on Friday organized a two-day exhibition titled– Noor – honouring the life and works of Noor Mukadam, the unlucky girl whose life was cut short by a psychopath earlier in July this year.
The exhibition highlighted Noor’s creative and artistic endeavours and served to remind everyone in attendance what a great loss it was finding Noor Mukadam, a vocal advocate of human rights, no longer with us.
Curated by veteran artist Syed Jamal Shah the exhibition showcased Noor’s art work, notably her calligraphy and a recreation of her room where she painted.
Rabiia Amin, the host of the exhibition gave the welcoming address while Jamal Shah in his speech on the occasion said, “Our goal for this exhibition was to showcase Noor’s expression of grace and humility through her art.”
Art he said was formative in raising awareness and empowering individuals to speak out and act against the discrepancies in our society.”
Addressing the audience, Noor’s father, Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam spoke of his daughter’s spiritual and artistic inclination, “She was a bright illustration of love and compassion in the often volatile and unsettling world of today.
Noor expressed her passion for Islam through her creativity. Using art, she transmitted the voice of the Divine in a unique and beautiful way,” said the distressed father who looked visibly shaken after the murder of his beloved daughter.
Ambassador Mukadam also highlighted the importance to end violence against women and girls. “Her untimely death has fanned the flames of a revolution for the women of Pakistan as they continue to fight against gender-based violence. Her story has touched countless citizens.”, he said.
The date of the exhibition coincides with the last day of the UN’s global campaign – 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. The event concluded with a touching poetry recital by the icon of courage and patience none other than Muniba Mazari, ‘Still I Rise’ by Maya Angelou along with live painting by artists Tulin Khalid Azim, Rabia Ayub and Shafaq Hasnain Zaidi.
The event was attended by many people including notable dignitaries and foreign Ambassadors. The exhibition will continue on Saturday (today) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
