An undergraduate of ICG;

On the brink of ‘brain drain’

Ambreen Fatima, 21 is an artist at Lok Mela who makes puppets, dolls, doors bells, chicks and different items used as wall hangings in Punjab Pavilion at Lok Virsa and accompanies her old mother to make a living. She makes dolls that represent the five provinces’ culture.

Her father died 17 years back when she was just 3-year-old. Ambreen lives with her mother in sector G/10, Islamabad and she does not have any brother and sister and any other relatives in this world.

When INFN contacted this young artist she told, “My poverty and loneliness has compelled me to become artist because my mother was getting old. She is my life and all I have in this world”

Ambreen has done FA in fine arts from Islamabad College for Girls, Islamabad and also wishes to continue her education. She has got so many awards and cash prizes from Lok Virsa in previous festivals owing to her expertise and unmatched talent. She has also won an award during Expo in Lahore as well.

“Dolls take 2 days, chicks take 7 days and small hanging items take 1 day.  The things that I need include cloths, bangles, mirrors, artificial flowers, needles and threads are required to make all these items,” Ambreen told.

“I am doing my level best to win an award in this festival too as I have to win,” Ambreen said with great confidence.

Ambreen also articulated a request as she pleaded, “I have to make a request to CDA that I may please be given a shop at any commercial place in the capital where I may put my items on display as there is no one to help me in this world and I cannot afford to have a shop on rent on my own.