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Seminar and Exhibition on ‘’Batik’’ organized by University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore in Collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad
Seminar and Exhibition on ‘’Batik’’ organized by University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore in Collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad


On 19th January 2022, Seminar and Exhibition on ‘’Batik’’ was held. The event was organized by University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore in Collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.
His Excellency Adam M. Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan was the Chief Guest of the event. The Ambassador stated that, ‘Batik’ is Indonesia's most developed and ancient art forms, it is an expression through which one can express and convey their inspiration, feelings and message.
He highlighted that this art form can be modified and used with many other art forms, mentioning the example of Pakistani truck art and the art of Pakistan's provinces, H.E stated that BATIK can be connected to all of them.
Furthermore, to introduce BATIK in Pakistan and to boost cultural connectivity and people to people contact, His Excellency announced a BATIK competition for students of Pakistan. He emphasized  that winners will be invited to Indonesia so they may have a first-hand experience of being trained in BATIK and exploring the culture of Indonesia. He said, I’m very proud to know that BATIK is already very popular in Pakistan as it is now part of the curriculum of University college of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore. He appreciated the talented young students of the University and was of the view that  Pakistani youth has immense talent and potential to excel in different fields and make Pakistan part of the global supply chain.
His Excellency Adam M. Tugio, also appreciated the significant role of CGSS in promoting and improving bilateral ties between Pakistan and Indonesia. While discussing about the shared religious, cultural and historical ties, he shared an interesting video about the similarities between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Prof. Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Adam M. Tugio for praising the students and motivating them to do more.
He further stated that, in the contemporary times international and national connectivity is of great significance. In this regard, CGSS has been a huge support for University of the Punjab, Lahore as it has been instrumental in promoting the students and academia, internationally.
Prof. Dr. Sumera Jawad, Principal, University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore emphasized that students of  University  College of Arts and Design have worked really hard for the exhibition. She states that they are excited and passionate to further introduce innovative ideas and  creative mediums by using BATIK.
Brigadier Mansoor Saeed (Retd), Vice President (Punjab Region), CGSS shared his  analysis on Pakistan-Indonesia Bilateral ties. He stated that Pakistan-Indonesia relations are based on common history, religion, culture, and interest at all international and regional forums. Indonesia supported Pakistan to become the Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1993 and later to become a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 2004. He mentioned that there is a lot of potential in both countries and  Pakistan is eager to play its part to further strengthen ties with Indonesia, enhance people-to-people contacts, tourism and academic cooperation.
Dr. Fozia Hadi, Director, Regional Integration Center (RIC), University of the Punjab, Lahore shared that the word Batik is derived from the Javanese word ‘amba’, means ‘to write’, the suffix ‘titik’ means little dot or to make dots. She was of the view that Batik is not just some piece of art used on a fabric but it is the way of expression about the history, culture, and emotions. She discussed that Pakistan possesses great strength in textiles in terms of exports and the same but manifold strength through exports is witnessed in Indonesia in the Batik industry. Thus, both countries can join hands to work on the fusion of designs. Dr. Fozia highlighted that the designers in Pakistan and Indonesia can formulate a roadmap for joint ventures that may prove to be mutually profitable for the two countries.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Adam M. Tugio for always supporting and encouraging young students. He assured the audience that CGSS will be organizing more projects for the exposure and training of students.
Dr. Ansa Mubashra, Incharge, Textile Design Department, University College of Arts and Design, University of the Punjab, Lahore delivered the closing remarks.
She appreciated the students who worked hard for completing their BATIK projects and shared that students look forward to many more initiatives related to BATIK as this was a great learning experience for them.
The seminar was followed by a the inauguration of BATIK exhibition by His Excellency Adam Mulawarman Tugio, Ambassador of  Indonesia to Pakistan.
H.E. Adam Tugio, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan viewed the displayed art, interacted with the artists and appreciated their artwork. He was highly impressed by the creative mediums and designs used by students.
The seminar was attended by more than 150 students, and faculty members. The exhibition displayed 25 art pieces by the students.