Zubair Qureshi
The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) has launched a much-needed project of preserving the classical works of Pakistan’s music legends on digital platforms (website, mobile app and Youtube). The launching ceremony was held Tuesday in the auditorium of Lok Virsa with Executive Director Muzaffar Ali Burki presiding over the ceremony. Senior staff members of the Lok Virsa and IT support staff were present on the occasion. A result of the joint efforts by the National Heritage and Culture Division, Lok Virsa and PM Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit the project has been completed in record one week time under the supervision of Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division Fareena Mazhar. A message by the Head of PM Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit Salman Sufi was also broadcast on the occasion. In his message Salman Sufi congratulated the team Lok Virsa for achieving the milestone in a record period of time. I congratulate you on the digitalization of melodies of Pakistan. Now Pakistan’s soft image through this treasure trove will be promoted across the world and people with smartphones and applications can listen to and download the legends ED Lok Virsa Muzaffar Burki said Lok Virsa had a huge archive of more than 20,000 hours of audio and video data that has been published over the years (1970 and onwards) in the form of CDs and DVDs.
However it was decided to take help from modern technology publishing them on digital platforms at the same time keeping them close to the roots of culture and heritage under the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While talking to Pakistan Observer, an IT support member said it was indeed a huge success. Pakistan’s rich musical heritage has been preserved on digital platforms. It will promote a deeper appreciation for Pakistani folk music among a wider audience, he said.
