FAISALABAD, Nov 22: The fourth Lok Boli Mela being held at Jaranwala on its second day on Saturday thoroughly entertained those who thronged its venue, besides educating them on various socio-cultural issues.

The five-day event, attended by thousands of people, including those coming from across the province to perform in it, has been dedicated to legendary anti-imperialist freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, who belonged to Jaranwala.

The Saturday performances included ‘Mera Ki Kusur Ay’ (What is my fault), a play highlighting the gender inequality prevailing in society. It was presented by Mass Foundation, Lahore.

Another play, titled ‘Chipen Ton Pehlan’ (before sunset), written by Davinder Daman, celebrating Bhagat’s struggle, was also much appreciated by the audience. It was presented by the pioneers of the event, Punjab Lok Rahs.

Besides, Comsats Sahiwal presented a play Pachan (identity) on language issue while Bahaudin Zikria University, Multan, came up with an impressive performance, ‘Ek Probhra Akhar (an alien word)’ on the same issue. Similarly, Sojhla Multan also brought a play on the language issue, ‘Aurat (the woman)’.

Theatre Magic, a group of Dutch origin, was also a hit with their puppet show on gender issues.

Wasif Malangi, Mohsin Jhangvi, Mansha Kharianwala and others enthralled the audience with folk songs, while Multan Raqs Party Dharees and Panjtani Dholi Jut of Lahore energised the crowds with their rhythmic performances of folk dance and drum beating.

As many as 11 schools of Jhang and Faisalabad districts brought various items to add to the festivity of the event.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Sujag Sahiwal, Khoj, Lahore, and Sarsabz Foundation, Faisalabad, organised seminars on rights of village population, Punjabi script, folk knowledge and livelihood and violence against women.

A conference organised by South Asia Partnership-Pakistan discussed various farmers’ issues. flower show: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) will hold a flowers exhibition in the second week of December to unveil assorted species of flowers.

This was stated by vice-chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad while addressing a prize distribution ceremony organised by the office of senior tutor at New Senate Hall on Saturday.

He said 75 per cent intake of the university belonged to rural base that required a reflection of cultural upshots by displaying festivities of rural areas. He said agricultural education along with colours of folk and rural culture was being highlighted at the UAF for over 100 years.

Dr Iqrar said participating in co-curricular activities was a must for students to get their personalities groomed. He said the office of the senior tutor was providing a platform to students to perform co-curricular activities.

Dr Iftikhar Ahmad, who is dean faculty of agriculture and students affairs principal officer, said students were giving outstanding performances in national level contests, including declamations, quiz shows, qiraat and naat recitation and essay-writing competitions along with dramas and skits.