Saroz competition held: Idara-e-Saqafat, Lok Virsa join hands for art and culture
- November 12, 2015, 7:18 pm
- Breaking News
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HQ
QUETTA: The Provincial Minister for Youth Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mir Mujeebur Rehman Muhammad Hassani has stated that the provincial coalition government is taking wholehearted steps for promotion of art and culture as well as encouragement of artists in the province.
This, he stated while addressing the ceremony held in connection with the Saroz competition at the Idara-e-Saqafat Balochistan the other day. The competition was organized by the Idara-e-Saqafat Balochistan in collaboration with the Lok Virsa, Islamabad.
The Member of Provincial Assembly, Ms. Samina Khan, First Secretary of Iranian Consulate, Ibrahim Shaif, Secretary Culture and Archive, Aslam Shakir Baloch, senior faculty members of the University of Balochistan and students besides people belonging to various walks of life were present in the ceremony.
The chief guest on the occasion mentioned that Saroz is a very important musical instrument of the Baloch culture, and even the neighbouring countries adopted it making it part of their music.
He said that the present government has allocated 15 percent of the MPA Fund for the cause of cultural activities in the province.
Under the MPA Fund, every MPA could suggest to spend 15 percent of the Fund for cultural sector, he maintained.
Moreover, as part of culture promotional activities, the government has been observing Artist Day in the province for last two years, he mentioned further adding that the services and contribution of the artists, musicians, intellectuals and other concerned are acclaimed on the occasion. The rich tribute is also paid to the artists besides giving them the cash prizes and commemorative shields and medals, he said.
The Minister Culture appreciated the Saroz competition organized by the Idara-e-Saqafat Balochistan and Lok Virsa. They have done a very good job by organizing a healthy competition in Quetta.
Such cultural activities would help promote the culture of Balochistan in a big way, Mir Mujeebur Rehman believed.
Earlier, addressing the ceremony, the Director Idara-e-Saqafat, Abdullah Baloch said that the regional music competitions would also be held at different other parts of the province including Gwadar.
He mentioned that the arts and culture is being promoted on directives of the Chief Minister, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch. He (CM) is very much interest in promotion of arts and culture, so we are taking steps in this regard, he added.
The representative of Lok Virsa, Dr. Fozia Saeed also addressed the gathering. She said that the Lok Virsa is also taking wholehearted steps for promotion of art in the country particularly introducing the art and culture to our young generation.
She said that Saroz is important music of the Balochistan culture, so it must be promoted. Lok Virsa has cooperated with the Idara-e-Saqafat in organizing the competition with the aim to promote Saroz. She said that those selected from the competition would be encouraged at the federal level.
The eminent folk artists of Balochistan, Akhtar Chanal, Bashir Baloch and other artists demonstrated their artistic skills and earned applause from the participants.
