PESHAWAR: The local artists and performers were decorated with recognition awards at a ceremony here on Sunday for their contribution to art and culture.

Senior radio, TV, stage and film artists and performers attended the event conducted under the auspices of `Jamal Arts and Urmar Welfare society`, a private cultural organisation.

Around 30 awards were given to artists and performers in recognition to their contribution to promotion of art and culture in the militancy-plagued province. The ceremony was arranged in line with 70th Independence Day celebrations. Yousaf Jamal Taj, chief of the organisation, said on the occasion that artists didn`t want anything from people but recognition of their services and respect. `Recognition of artists` contribution can just help their morale up and shine their talent to contribute more and more to the society,` he added.

Mr Taj said that civilised societies gave due respecttotheirnationalheroes,poets, writers and artists. `A well-articulated artist is the true face of an enlightenedsociety,` he added.

Renowne d drama artist Qazi Mohammad Khamis said that artists lost their courage to contribute to art any longer if they were not appreciated. He said that praise and acceptance by people coupled with some humble incentives could boost their pride.

He said that giving awards to deserving artists could lure other young people towards art and culture.

Ayesha Bibi, a TV artist, said on the occasion that most artists were living in penurybuttheykeptuptheirspirittocontribute to the society. She complained that peopled liked their work but disowned them as artists. She said that Ghani Khan had also once commented that Pakhtuns loved music but hated musicians. `Today I feel proud to get this award and it would help accelerate my efforts to serve art and culture with even more dedication for the sake of my people,` said Ms Bibi.

Majeed Lala, a noted film actor, said art without recognition carried no meaning and purpose because awards and incentives served as oxygen tent. He said that it was a good omen for the society that a private organisation awarded artists and performers and recognised their services.

He said that other organisations should also follow in the footsteps of such sincere art lovers to work for the promotion of their soft image.

Gulzar Jalal Yousafzai, Reema Khan, Saba Naz, Fatima, Mohammad Tufail and Usman Khan were among the noted recipients of the recognition awards.