Islamabad: 22nd February, 2011

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 11-09

To promote creativity among young talented students of Pakistan, the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council organized an Art and Speech Competition about Japan on Tuesday 22nd February, 2011 at the Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore. The Embassy of Japan has been holding this event in various cities of Pakistan since 1995, which amounts to sixteen years. Different schools in Lahore participated in the Art and Speech Competition about Japan.

Two students of the age of 12 to 14 years from each school drew pictures in the art competition on the themes of their own choice related to Japan and Pakistan. Art nurtures one’s self-esteem, self-discipline and self-motivation. It provides an outlet of creativity and 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, Ms. Tania Sohail, Curator, Alhamra Art Gallery and Ms. Amina Pataudi, Director, Shakir Ali Museum, Lahore, made up the panel of judges.

Similarly, one student from each school competed in the Speech Competition in Urdu with a topic of their own choice related to Japan and Pakistan. The panel of judges for the Speech Competition comprised of Mrs. Nasreen Pasha, Associate Professor and Mrs. Saira Malik, Assistant Professor, Kinnaird College Lahore.
This competition provided an opportunity for young and talented students to focus and express themselves on the growing cordial relations between Japan and Pakistan. In the future, this youth can help to hold bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Muhammad Ali Baloch, Executive Director Alhamra, Ms. Kuniko Nakamura, First Secretary, Head of Public Affairs Section, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Aamir H. Shirazi, Honorary Consul General for Japan at Lahore & President Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association Lahore awarded certificates and souvenirs to the position holders of the Art and Speech Competition about Japan. All students were given the certificates of participation. (End)