Colours of spring aplenty at NUML

Islamabad

Be it a single flower covered with raindrops or a street full of flowering trees, the beauty of spring in Islamabad was well captured by the young photographers of different departments at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML).

The works of 15 NUML students themed around ‘The Colours of Spring’ went on display at a photographic exhibition organised by the Camera Club of NUML Mass Communications Department here on Tuesday. 

Decorated with flowers, butterflies and balloons, the exhibition hall was a welcome to the beautiful season that covers the capital city with colours. Students from the Mass Communication, Engineering, Persian and English departments, six boys and nine girls, participated in the photography competition announced by the Camera Club which culminated with an exhibition of photographs on the campus. 

NUML Rector Major General (r) Zia Uddin Najam graced the occasion as the chief guest, while NUML Director General Brigadier Riaz Ahmed Gondal, registrar, deans, directors and HODs of various departments and a large number of students attended the ceremony.

“This was the first such competition and I am deeply impressed with the enthusiasm of participants and organisers. I believe that extracurricular activities help develop the skills of students which usually remain hidden due to academic responsibilities. Such activities make them better able to play an important role in social development,” said NUML Rector Major General (r) Zia Uddin Najam while addressing the gathering of students. He said that more such events at bigger level will be organised in future.

The event started with a welcome speech and presentation on the exhibition by Head of the Mass Communication Department Mufti Jamiluddin Ahmad. He explained the process of the competition and objective behind organising the activity.  "I am impressed by the photography done by the youngsters.  It is a good effort. Such activities help in exploring the artistic skills of the students. We have some better future plans to give our students better opportunities for co-curricular activities." he added.

Though the majority of participants did not use hi-tech cameras but their skills in depicting the blossom of spring in its true spirit impressed all those who visited the exhibition. The view of migratory birds, a flower blossoming on a dry stem, a small leaf covered with raindrops and a wild flower trying to make its way across the cemented pavement, all pictures on display were treat to the eyes of visitors.  

“I used a simple camera and did not apply any extraordinary tool to take the picture. The beauty of nature did not require any such effort," said Shamaila Haleem, a PhD scholar of the English Department, who received the first prize for her depiction of flowering trees near Sector F-8.

She truly enjoyed the experience of taking part in the competition. “It provided me with an opportunity of exploring not only my hidden skills but the beauty of my city which we, as residents, sometimes ignore and take for granted,” she said.

Like other participants, Shamaila went to different parts of Margalla Hills and areas close to F-9 Park to get the best click. “There was a line of beautiful apple trees covered with white flowers near Sector F-8 which looked amazing and I decided to get my final picture from that location,” she said adding that the prize has encouraged her to further polish her skills and continue this hobby in future.

Aatiph Hayat Khan and Suman Naz, both from the Mass Communication Department, secured second and third position respectively. 

The winners and participants were given cash prizes and certificates in the end by the NUML rector.