Osaka: The opening ceremony for a Calligraphy Exhibition was held at the Hyogo Prefecture Museum of Arts on March 15, 2016. The Honourable Governor of Hyogo Prefecture Mr. Toshizo Ido, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The pieces of art created by former Ambassador, Mr. Humayun Bangash, who is also the Patron of the Calligraphic Association of Pakistan, were displayed. Politicians of Kobe, the Kansai-based diplomatic corps, government officials, businessmen, academia, media, calligraphists and members of international organizations participated and appreciated the art work. Prominent Pakistani community members of the area were also present. The inauguration ceremony was moderated by leading scholar Professor So Yamane of Research Institute for World Languages of Osaka University.
In his welcome address the Ambassador explained that Pakistani calligraphy illustrated amongst many things, the messages of peace, love and tolerance. He informed that the first Exhibition had been held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo in 2015. Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado had graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The Ambassador thanked the Governor and appreciated the cooperation received from the Hyogo Prefecture Government in the organization of the event. He said that this Exhibition would provide an opportunity to the people of Hyogo Prefecture to appreciate the beauty of the calligraphy from Pakistan.
The Honourable Governor appreciated the Embassy for choosing Hyogo Prefecture, which itself is a centre of Japanese calligraphy, as a venue to hold the Exhibition. He said that it was honour for him to be part of the Inauguration Ceremony. Whilst appreciating the unique art of Pakistan, the Honourable Governor said that the inspirational and captivating Calligraphic Art of Pakistan had enlightened him as never before. He emphasized that in today’s complex world, projection and promotion of such art would bring people of different shades of life together and contribute in creating peace, love and understanding. The calligraphy was a highly esteemed art in Japanese society and that names written in Chinese characters in calligraphy brought good fortune. The Calligraphy Exhibition comprised of the prayers for peace, stability and prosperity. The Honourable Governor said such events would help in promoting the true image of Pakistan and would further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
The Dean of Diplomatic Corps in Kansai Mr. Roderick Wols, the Consul General of Netherlands congratulated the Mission for organizing such an important event. He said art was the best mirror to see the beauty of any nation. He believed that the people of Hyogo would be able to enjoy and appreciate the message of peace and love depicted in the Pakistani calligraphy.
After ribbon cutting ceremony the participants moved to the gallery to see and to appreciate the beautiful pieces of Pakistani art. The Exhibition is set to run for three days.
