ISLAMABAD: Devcom-Pakistan organized the ‘Raja Genghis Sultan Himalayan Odyssey Award’ painting exhibition at the National Art Gallery on Tuesday, as part of the 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival.
The exhibition celebrated the theme of Mountain Heritage, showcasing the breathtaking beauty, cultural richness and ecological importance of Pakistan’s mountains. Raja Genghis Sultan was the chief guest who presented the award to the winning artist Benish Azam. Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Director General Muhammad Ayub Jamali was the chief guest. He distributed the certificates among the participating artists. A total of 32 artists from across Pakistan participated in the exhibition, which showcased various artworks that captured the essence of the Himalayan, Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges.
The event paid tribute to Raja Genghis Sultan, a legendary artist and poet known for his lifelong dedication to documenting the mystery and majesty of mountain landscapes through his art and literary works. . Participating artists include Agha Shahid, Akmal Hameed, Anbreen Anjum, Parth Batul, Asma Shahid, Atiqa Malik, Benish Azam, Dr. Farrukh Seer, Fazeel Yousafzai, Fatima Afzal, Fatima Ejaz, Fauzia Khan, Hadiya Khanum, Hadiya Khanum, Hatis Owais. , Nafisa and others were involved. , Kiran Mughal, Maryam Mustafa Mazhari, Nyala Abrar, Saba Hameed, Safia Mughees, Saima Amir, Saleha Faisal, Shafqat Mehmood, Shahnaz Akram, Shehla Moazzam, Sudra Iqbal, Salwat Hijazi and Tasneema Sajid.
Speaking on the occasion, Munir Ahmed, Executive Director of Devcom-Pakistan and Founder of “Raja Genghis Sultan Himalayan Odyssey Award” highlighted the deep cultural and ecological significance of mountains and their unique place in Pakistan’s heritage. “Our mountains are the cradle of our rivers, the lungs of our environment, and the heart of our cultural diversity. Through this award and exhibition, we aim to create a nexus between art and environmental conservation, giving us the beauty and heritage of these magnificent landscapes.” “reminds us of all our responsibilities to protect,” said Munir Ahmad, who also paid tribute to Raja Chinggis Sultan, whose artistic vision and dedication to documenting the mountains of Pakistan. Continues to inspire and guide generations.
Ahmed emphasized the transformative power of art in bridging the gap between culture and conservation. “Artists have a unique way of portraying the beauty and challenges of our natural world. Their work helps us see what we often overlook and inspires us to take necessary action. This exhibition is only It’s not about celebrating art, but about raising collective awareness to protect our mountain ecosystems.” The artworks on display include paintings, mixed media and digital creations, each telling a unique story of mountain heritage. Topics ranged from the vibrant culture of mountain communities to the rugged beauty of snow-capped peaks and the environmental threats posed by climate change.
Several pieces were praised for their exceptional creativity and depth, earning recognition under the “Raja Genghis Sultan Himalayan Odyssey Award”. These works embodied the spirit of mountain heritage, displaying a rare combination of skill, passion and environmental awareness. The event also featured short talks by artists and environmentalists who emphasized the need to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the mountains. One of the artists commented, “Art has the power to inspire action and foster a deeper connection with nature. Through these works, we can incite a sense of responsibility to protect our mountain ecosystems.” Let’s hope.” The exhibition attracted a large and diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, students, environmentalists, and members of the diplomatic community.
Visitors were enthralled by the visual narratives and appreciated the efforts of the artists to draw attention to the mountain heritage through their art. The exhibition also paid tribute to Raja Genghis Sultan, whose Himalayan Odyssey series has become a timeless celebration of mountain scenery. His dedication has inspired generations of artists and environmentalists alike. The exhibition is part of the ongoing activities of the 14th Pakistan Mountain Festival, which will continue to celebrate mountain ecosystems and their importance through various events.