he Punjab Council of the Arts held the finals of the Pehla Punjab Muqabala-i-Mausiqi at Alhamra last week. The first prize was won by Jabir Hussain. The second and the third prizes were awarded to Nade Ali and Ramsha Sahar. These were supplemented by handsome sums of money.

Judges of impeccable credentials, including Mujahid Hussain, Humaira Arshad and Rahat Multanikar, evaluated the performances.

This was a great initiative. The competitions were first held in all the districts and divisions of the Punjab. The more distinguished participants were then picked went through the paces to appear in the final competition that was held in Lahore.

Such competitions were not held in the past except for those in schools and colleges so that the talent showcased at various melas and barsis held across the cultural landscape was not represented. This year, participants from across the board were allowed. The contestants made the cut if the judges who understood the finer aspects of music found them worthy. For the last few decades participants in school and college competitions had filled in for the across the board talent. However the arrangement was a poor substitute for open-to-all competitions as educational institutions do not always give the same importance to cultural activities like music Somehow, family traditions among the blood and teaching lines of musicians, did not let the system change beyond nominal recognition.

However, the cultural-societal matrix is disintegrating as times change. Under the influence of various technologies, various section of the country, as indeed the world, have seen the rise of new platforms. There are great differences of development as well as attempts at creating an illusion of equal opportunity even when it is denied.

The fact that new institutions have been set up to promote cultural activities and are reaching out to potential artists rather than waiting to be approached by them is a positive development. The realisation and recognition that there may be many more sources of abundant talent in the country then widely known is important and welcome. This chain of competitions started a few months ago concluded last week. The outcome can only be described as positive and welcome.

We must wake up to the staggering reality that the population of the Punjab far exceeds that of most countries in the world, including many that are doing quite well. The youth bulge is waiting to burst. It should not be wasted in pursuits that grow out of frustration.

Despite the various options available on technology-based forums the reaching out, inviting and nursing talent in the time-tested tradition has retained its relevance. Only a very small number of participants were to get the prizes under the competition format. However, one is sure that there may be many who were very good, even equally good, who but for reasons that may vary, did not to make it to the final round. The information gathered about the participants can be of great value. It can be used to invite them to perform in concerts and programmes to be held by the various government organisations in future.

This series of competitions was a well advertised event. The process received huge media coverage and there was a lot of excitement about it. It is possible that in future the hype may be a little less and the actual worth of the process more. The data should be preserved and used to form a database that will help the art councils and other organisations hold regular shows for youngsters. Age group competition for fourteen to thirty year old will help the artists not lose hope and quit if they do not do well at a single competition. They must not lose hope and be disheartened if a prize eludes them. Frequent exposure will nourish and hone talent and regularity will ensure it.

Population statistics can be sobering. We must wake up to the staggering reality that the population of the Punjab far exceeds that of most countries in the world, including many that are doing quite well. The youth bulge is waiting to burst. It should not be wasted in pursuits that grow out of frustration. The resources may be limited but the ongoing nature of such events should have a quieting and neutralising effect.

The infrastructure and logistics needed to support such activities are now in place in all administrative divisions. The facilities have also improved in several districts of the province. This is a far cry from the days when there was hardly a proper stage or dedicated building for performing arts. These facilities should be made the most of. The urge for artistic self-expression among the talented youth must be matched by the staff of these institutions, who must ensure the regularity of shows and concerts. A successful event should be a starting point, not a one-off memory.

The author is a culture critic based in Lahore