The University of Agriculture Faisalabad has staged three-day Gur Mela at its Heritage Museum, Directorate of Farms, UAF from Feb 13 to Feb 15.

The event, arranged by UAF in collaboration with Agri Tourism Corporation, comprised cultural foods, agri stalls and display of the rural folk in order to attract the people towards our rich culture and traditions. The mela remained a center for attractions for locals who thronged the university to have the delight of the colors of rural life and to get refuge from monotonous routine. UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa flanked by Director Farm Dr Shahid Afzaal Gill, Incharge UAF Books and Magazine Dr Shahazad Basra and Senior Tutor Dr Athar Javed inaugurated the mela. The Vice Chancellor said that agriculture was the backbone of our economy, contributing 20 percent to our economy. He said that after Green revolution, we overcome the hunger issue. But, excessive usage of Genetically Modified Crops provoked the issue of malnutrition. He showed his concerns that the agricultural import bill had risen to billions of rupees. He said that university scientists had capacity to work the issue to reduce the import bill. He said that the university was used to hold such event to promote our culture, tradition and food etc. He said that such infotainment platform provided an opportunity to learn in entertaining way. He urged the youngsters to minimize uses of the gadgets in their free time and to spend time with elders, parents so that they can learn from their experiences. He said that UAF management will disburse 800 headscarves among the females on Feb 14 as Sister Day in order to promote eastern culture. Dispelling misconception about the Sister Day, he said that university did not compel anyone to wear headscarves or celebrate Sisters’ Day. It is students’ choice whatever they like. He said that headscarves will be distributed by university management. He said the concept of dupatta was a beautiful manifestation of culture for women in eastern societies. Our purpose is to empower our women and ensure a congenial environment for females in our institutions so that they can freely utilize their capabilities and life.