In the lead-up to Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations, the Institute of Art and Design at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) came alive with color, passion, and history as the much-anticipated “Rang-e-Pakistan” art exhibition opened its doors. The collaborative effort between GC University Lahore, GC University Faisalabad, and the Inter-University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences seeks to pay tribute to the country’s freedom movement, cultural heritage, and the sacrifices of its armed forces.
The inaugural ceremony drew an impressive lineup of academic and civic dignitaries, including Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam, Vice Chancellor of GCU Faisalabad; Prof Dr Muhammad Umar Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor of GCU Lahore; Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Coordinator of the Inter-University Consortium; Prof Dr Kanwal Amin, Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad; and Prof Dr Zafar Ali Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor of Faisalabad Medical University. They were joined by representatives from the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce, members of the GCUF Syndicate, faculty leaders from both universities, and a large crowd of students and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of paintings, drawings, and mixed media works produced by students and faculty from the two participating universities. The artworks capture the multifaceted identity of Pakistan, blending historical narratives with cultural motifs and contemporary interpretations. The pieces are rich in symbolism, evoking the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal while reflecting on the enduring spirit of the Pakistan Movement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam described the exhibition as more than an academic exercise, calling it a “living expression of national spirit” that bridges the country’s past with its present aspirations. Prof Dr Muhammad Umar Chaudhry emphasized the importance of such cultural collaborations in enhancing intellectual exchange between universities, while Muhammad Murtaza Noor framed the event as a “practical platform for inter-university understanding and the intellectual growth of the younger generation.”
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Rang-e-Pakistan will remain open in Faisalabad until August 8 before moving to GC University Lahore from August 11–14. While the event’s ambition to inspire patriotism through art is laudable, its success will ultimately depend on whether these cultural initiatives are sustained beyond symbolic occasions. For all its beauty and sentiment, the challenge remains in ensuring that such exhibitions translate into lasting educational, artistic, and civic engagement rather than fading away once the Independence Day fervor subsides.