Zubair Qureshi
A number of events in connection with the blissful month of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak were organized at the LokVirsa engaging people from all fields of life, particularly the youth and students.
The Islamic cultural extravaganza titled ‘Mah-e-Isaar-o-Aman’ or “Month of Sharing & Peace” featured Naat and Tilawat competition, a captivating Calligraphy Exhibition, launch of the National Cohesion Centre, and exhibition of Cultural Foods.
The highlight of the event, however, was a mesmerizing performance of Qawwali by UstadShahid Ali Khan.
Chief Guest on the occasion Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Hassan NasirJamy inaugurated the Islamic calligraphy exhibition and commended the dedication of the LokVirsa management for organizing a truly spiritual event.
The calligraphy exhibition featured works of eminent calligrapher Ehsanullah Khan who has inherited this particular art from his grandfather. “There are over 60 works of Islamic Calligraphy that are put on display under the ‘Theme of Ramazan,’ ‘ said Ehsanullah Khan whose works have been displayed around the world and are esteemed among the best works of Islamic Calligraphy.
One could feel the overwhelming effect of the rich Islamic traditions as reflected in his artworks.
Launching of the Centre of National Cohesion was also among the highlights of the day. According to the Executive Director of LokVirsa Muhammad Uzair the purpose of the launch of the centre was to educate the youth about their golden, classic traditions and heritage, identity of Pakistan and to support them in their artistic pursuits. It would also counter anti-Pakistan propaganda through the medium of art and folklore, he said.
Prizes were also announced for the students of various schools for participating in the Islamic calligraphic and Naat&Tilawat competitions.
Through Naat&Tilawat, the participants mesmerized the audience with their soulful recitations of Naat and Tilawat, showcasing their devotion and reverence for sacred verses.
The participants as well as the visitors enjoyed themselves a delectable selection of cultural foods, tantalizing their taste buds with a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Pakistan.
Last but not the least, the Qawwali event connected the audience with spiritual and cultural richness and they experienced enchanting melodies and heartfelt poetry that transported the listeners to a realm of spiritual enlightenment. Devotional performance by UstadShahid Ali Khan was spellbinding while the soul-stirring melodies of Qawwali as UstadShahid Ali Khan, a master of the KiranaGharana, enchanted the listeners.
This is the first time that LokVirsa has organized a cultural event in connection with blessings of Ramazan which is quite a welcome change on part of the management and staff of the LokVirsa, said Shakeel, a visitor who had come along with his family to attend the cultural extravaganza.