RAWALPINDI: An exhibition titled ‘Mountain Marvels’ kicked off on Wednesday at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) to highlight the beauty of the hills and mountains of the country.

The exhibition was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) in collaboration with the RAC in connection with the 7th Pakistan Mountain Festival.

More than 250 paintings went on display. Senior artists appreciated the work of post-graduate and undergraduate students from government and private education institutions.

More than 250 paintings were on display at the exhibition

The paintings were inspired by the cultural heritage and natural environment found amidst the peaks. The compositions reflected the youth’s ambitions to save and serve the mountain ecosystems.

RAC Resident Director Waqar Ahmed said that the Pakistan Mountain Festival would be beneficial in creating awareness about the beauty of the mountains and highlight the culture of the areas.

The coordinator of the exhibition, Riffat Ara Baig said that art can be a multi-fold medium to educate and inspire the youth and the general public to appreciate the mountains not just for their beauty and landscape, but also as a source of biodiversity and natural resources which are essential for our livelihoods.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said: “Raising awareness and sensitizing our youth towards environmental sustainability is our last hope in the endeavour to protect the planet earth through conservation and development initiatives.

“The damage caused by the older generations is irreparable but there is still a chance to slow down the degradation process by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating indiscriminate deforestation and taking steps for inclusive and integrated afforestation.”

“The culture and heritage of Hunza and Kalash have been the preferred themes for most of the participants.

“The images painted in the live competition shows their skills and appreciation for the mountains, but sadly no one is aware of the actual threats to the mountains, its people and its culture,” he said.

The participants termed the event a great avenue for inculcating the youth with the love for nature and educate them about the issues confronting the highlands.

A participant, Hira Javed said that such events help raise awareness on environmental issues.

While living on the footsteps of the Margalla Hills, we need to know and educate the youth about the importance of mountains in our lives.

Farwa Sadaf said the mountains provide us with fresh water and air, without which we cannot live.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2017