Projects - GESWS

Project Detail

The Wakhi youth and the community institutions see preservation of the multiple cultural expressions such documentation of language, folkdance, music and songs, promotion of festivals, local foods and other forms, both tangible and intangible, as important for continuity and to maintain the identity of the cultural group. Therefore, under the proposed project, GESWS intends to preserve the rich folk and oral heritage of the Wakhi community through documentation, training, education, research and documentation and knowledge management, the oral heritage of the ethnic community.

The establishment of Bulbulik Heritage Gulmit has been a center of teaching and learning for the new generation, for researchers and cultural activists as well as serves as a notable continuer in preservation and revival of the many cultural expressions and values of peace, co-existence, pluralism, generosity, freedom of expression and equitable and inclusive development.

In the past music was considered taboo for women and girls and their participation were limited to reciting mystical songs in religious spaces and gatherings only. Women and Girls were prohibited among the local community to sing and play musical instruments in public gatherings. However, the recent initiative of GESWS in terms of Bulbulik musical project has greatly succeeded in breaking this taboo and created a secular and safe space for girls and boys to teach and learn music. Initially it was tricky to convince the parents of young female artists but when they witnessed the good coming in, they have now been playing key role in promotion of the activities of this initiative. There is a real need to consolidate this initial gain.

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Vision

Foster the spirit of humility, hospitality, diversity and peaceful co-existence through promotion and preservation of arts and culture

Mission Statement

Revitalize and promote the folk Wakhi-Pamiri heritage through education, research, and development.

Goal

To preserve and promote the endangered Wakhi folksongs, folktales and literature and to develop linkages globally for an enabling environment for the Wakhi intellectuals and artists to find place on national and international arena.

Bulbulik has trained around 100 plus artists on different traditional musical instruments like, Rubob, Ghazxek, Sitor, Gabi, Tutek, Surinaye, and Dorya.

Through this initiative, we are able to provide a space for people to come and spend peaceful time at the school during small musical events; share experience, ideas and spread encourage harmony among communities.

The artists of Bulbulik have taken parts in two residencies in Sri Lank, which was a unique opportunity these folk artists.

Through online and offline Medias we spread messages of peace, love tolerance, harmony, inclusivity, diversity and peaceful co-existence. With this, people from all over Pakistan are appreciating their efforts and want this all over Pakistan and world.

Through Community Schools Music Initiative (CSMI) a pilot effort, Bulbulik has worked with Three (3) community schools in Gojal Valley of Hunza, where we have trained 45 boys and girls on different folk musical instruments, focusing basics of music. An effort to provide an alternative hobby to these young minds to deal with psychological issues.

Bulbulik has documented and published Two books of Wakhi folksongs and folklore, which is a first effort carried local researchers, language documentation experts and activists.

Bulbulik is also helping to deal with the image deficit of Pakistan through folk music, dance and traditional art.

Picture Gallery - Bulbulik