Roots celebrates its 30th anniversary
Minister of State (no promoted as full Minister) for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb inaugurated the 30th anniversary celebrations of a private school system Roots during the week. In her address on the occasion, she said that it was imperative to connect children with their roots, culture, language and heritage with a view to develop their personality and mindset. She said schools should regularly organize curricular and extra-curricular activities aimed at promoting indigenous culture, heritage and national language.
She said that Urdu was not only the Lingua Franca of Pakistan but also had a very strong bond with the culture of the country and as such needed to be promoted. “I have been saying, as is happening all around the world, schools should give their students short film and documentary projects so their linkage with their language and culture is restored and they become more aware of the landmarks of their country,” she added.
Parveen Shakir Trust confers annual awards
The Parveen Shakir Trust (PST) organized its annual function at the National Library Auditorium, Islamabad during the week. Awards given in poetry and fiction while eminent personalities from various fields of life and genres of literature were invited to celebrate and light up memories of the great names of Urdu literature, poets and writers. They lightened a candle each as a tribute to the celebrated poet or writer on this occasion. Among the noted personalities who light up the candles in front of celebrated poets and writers included Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah, Senator Maula Bux Chandyo, Mrs Nargis Sethi and Saleem Sethi, Justice Nasira Javed Iqbal, Mrs Hameeda Shaheen, Dr. Ziaul Hassan, Senator Raza Rabbani, Dr Hamid Atiq Sarwar, Mrs Amina Hassan, Mrs Abida Malik, Dr Saleem Malik, Begum Humaira Mutafa, Mustafa Kasuri, Dr Samina Amin Qadir, Dr Khurram Qadir and Syed Hasnain Haider.
The Parveen Shakir Aks-e-Khushboo Award for Poetry 2017 was awarded to Saeed Shariq whose book of poems ‘Saya’ or ‘Reflection’ has won critics’ appreciation. Parveen Shakir’s Best Fiction Award 2017 was awarded to the veteran parliamentarian and a strong believer in Federalism Raza Rabbani for his debut ‘Invisible People’. The book too has been applauded by many national and international journals and attracted the attention of the readers. Perveen Shakir Trust Members’ Choice Award 2017 was awarded to an emerging poetess Jia Shah whose collection of poems ‘Bab-e-Gul Mai Hawa Ka Biyan’ has recently hit the bookstores.
Giving closing remarks, Chairperson of PST Ms. Parveen Qadir Agha said, over the years the Trust has broadened its horizon and has made a concerted effort to promote Urdu literature.
Bahria University holds its 19th Convocation
Islamabad campus of Bahria University held its 19th Convocation on at Jinnah Convention Centre during the reported week. Sardar Masood Khan, President of Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir graced the occasion as chief guest. Bahria University Rector conferred upon the degrees on the graduating students of PhD, MPhil, masters and undergraduate programmes.
In total, 839 degrees were conferred to the undergraduate and graduate students of Management Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Computer Sciences, Law, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Electrical Engineering and Software Engineering Departments. Sardar Masood Khan awarded 23 gold and 20 silver medals, degrees and certificates to various students who achieved top positions in their respective programs. Before award of medals, degrees were given to students by the rector.
In his address on the occasion, Sardar Masood Khan congratulated the graduating students on their splendid success.
Serena Hotel hosts Sarangi Music
Serena Hotels hosted a star-studded evening for Season 02 of the Sarangi Music Initiative. Sarangi is part of the Serena’s Cultural Diplomacy Initiative which aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Pakistan. Sarangi Season 02 also began with an online competition that allowed amateur bands to compete amongst other bands. The finalists were chosen by a professional and well-known jury panel comprising of Hadiqa Kiani, Nizar Lalani and Sarmad Ghafoor based on their submissions.
Ans Rehmani from Rahim Yar Khan was declared the best performer for whom Serena Hotels will produce a debut song at Pakistan’s leading sound studio along with a professional music video.
Italian ambassador hosts National Day of Italy
Italian ambassador, Stefano Pontecarvo and spouse Lidia Pontecorvo hosted a reception at a local hotel to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Italy. Diplomats; government officials, members of civil society and Italian nationals attended the reception.
The guest of honour was Minister for Education, Baleegh ur Rehman and the cake was cut after the national anthems had been vocalized by a female Italian vocalist, wearing a beautifully designed dress with the colours of the Italian flag in mind – red, white and green – (sorry, I could not get her name) and Pakistan’s new entrant into the world of pop, Danyal Zafar.