PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 010-27

Islamabad: 24 June, 2010

            To promote creativity among the talented young students of Pakistan and as a part of the Japan-Pakistan Friendship Fest, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network and the Directorate of Education Baltistan Region, Skardu, organized an Art and Speech Competition about Japan on Thursday 24th June, 2010 at the Government High School No.1, Skardu.  The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan has been holding this event in various cities of Pakistan for more than a decade and has organized it in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan for the first time. Different schools in Skardu and its adjoining areas participated in the Art and Speech Competition about Japan.

Students of 12 to 14 years of age drew pictures in the Art Competition with themes of their own choice related to Japan and Pakistan. There is no doubt that art nurtures one’s self-esteem, self-discipline and self-motivation. It provides an outlet for the creativity and human expression that reflects emotions, critical thinking and relationships. Art can also play a major role in the development of an aesthetic sense. To judge the creativity of young artists, Mr. Mubasshir Hassan and Mr. Nadir Aman, along with a representative of the Embassy of Japan made up the panel of judges for the Art Competition.

Similarly, two students from each school of the same age competed in the Speech Competition in the Urdu language with a topic of their own choice related to Japan and Pakistan. The panel of judges for the speech competition comprised of Prof. Hashmat Kamal, Dr. Muzaffar Hussain and a representative from the Embassy of Japan.

This competition provided an opportunity for young and talented students to express themselves freely on the growing cordial relations between Japan and Pakistan. In the future, they may help to hold bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Mr. Sajid Chohan, Commissioner Skardu, and Mr. Maki Mizusawa, Deputy Head of Public Affairs Section, Embassy of Japan, awarded certificates and souvenirs to the position holders of the Art and Speech Competition about Japan. All students were given certificates for participation. (End)