Author: Farrukh Nigar Aziz, Lahore
Publication: Dawn
Date: March 12, 2003
URL: http://www.dawn.com/2003/03/12/letted.htm#5
Your distinguished columnist Shafqat
Tanvir Mirza's review of the book Maharaja Porus (Feb 7) notes with regret
that like many others, Porus was not given due recognition for his resistance
to the foreign invader, Alexander. We, in Pakistan, have a tendency to
favour the second-rate and denigrate and ignore the true and the illustrious.
For the record, I would like to
state that Porus' resistance inspired Mehr Nigar Masroor, writer, choreographer
and playwright, to create and choreograph a dance drama Jab Jhelum Jewa
Tha on Punjab's resistance to Alexander under Porus.
This dance drama was part of the
PIA Dance Academy's repertoire and was selected as official cultural item
for presentation in the United Kingdom during President Ayub's official
visit to the UK in the 60s. It was performed in the presence of Queen Elizabeth
and an audience, comprising the notables and the British media.
The drama was favourably received
with an element of surprise at the sophisticated and professional presentation
by a Pakistani institution - Pakistan not known for its artistic abilities
at that time.
I would like to take this opportunity
to express my appreciation of Shafqat Sahib's consistently relevant and
brilliant articles providing essential knowledge of our cultural heritage.
I am sure all his readers will support
me in honouring his contribution in this area of crucial interest to the
people of Pakistan.
