Rawalpindi: A two-day Floral Art Workshop titled “From Stem to Style” was successfully organized by the Landscape Studio Lab of the Department of Horticulture at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAUR), Rawalpindi.
The workshop aimed at promoting creative thinking, entrepreneurial skills and aesthetic sense among students, enabling them to practically benefit from both traditional and modern floral art techniques.
Appreciating the organizers’ efforts, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman described the event as an excellent example of blending creative arts with business acumen. He said it provided participants an opportunity to understand both the artistic and commercial aspects of floral design.
He emphasized that combining techniques like Ikebana with modern flower arrangements can create innovation, beauty and sustainable business opportunities.
Highlighting the growing importance of floriculture, the Vice Chancellor said flowers not only beautify the environment but also serve as a source of mental peace and positive energy. He advised students not to limit themselves to traditional employment avenues but to adopt entrepreneurial mindset, as immense business prospects exist in this field. Such hands-on training equips students to face real-world challenges effectively.
International floral design expert Dr Atif Riaz Qureshi from Australia delivered the keynote address on “Native Cut Flowers,” which proved highly informative and inspiring for the participants, acquainting them with new trends in national and international markets.
Experts from the Floral Art Society of Pakistan (Magnolia Chapter) also provided practical training to students and attendees on modern flower decoration and arrangement techniques.
Dean, Faculty of Agriculture Prof Dr Tariq Mukhtar appreciated the organizers, particularly chief organizer Dr Usman Shaukat Qureshi, saying the workshop strengthens the link between art, science and business. Such activities offer students practical training, creative guidance and self-employment opportunities.
The two-day workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates and shields, where participants’ creative performances were duly acknowledged.