Interviewer: Welcome, Mr. Vikas Kumar. First of all, congratulations on your nomination to participate in the III International Lazgi Dance Festival and Conference in Khiva, Uzbekistan. How do you feel about representing Balochistan at such a prestigious event?
Vikas Kumar: Thank you very much. It is truly an honour and a matter of pride for me to represent the Government of Balochistan and Pakistan at this internationally recognized cultural platform. Khiva is a historic city with deep cultural roots, and participating in the Lazgi Festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant traditions of Balochistan while learning from global experts in dance and heritage preservation.
Interviewer: You currently serve in the Culture, Tourism and Archives Department of Balochistan. Could you tell us about your role there?
Vikas Kumar: Certainly. As Section Officer, I oversee initiatives related to the preservation, documentation, and promotion of Balochistan’s intangible cultural heritage. This includes traditional dances, music, folklore, festivals, and cultural archives. Our department works to keep these traditions alive through public events, artist support programmes, and tourism initiatives.
Interviewer: You mentioned a personal passion for dance and music. Where did this love begin?
Vikas Kumar: My love for dance and music started at a very young age. I belong to Sibi, where the famous Sibi Mela is celebrated every year. Growing up in such a culturally rich environment inspired me deeply. I always enjoyed participating in festivals and cultural events. For me, dance is not merely entertainment—it is a powerful expression of joy, identity, resilience, and unity.
Interviewer: Balochistan is known for its rich traditions. Which dances best represent the province’s cultural spirit?
Vikas Kumar: Balochistan has many beautiful folk dances, but among the most cherished are Chaap, Attan, and Jhumar. Chaap is a lively circular dance performed with rhythmic clapping and accompanied by the dhol drum, Benjo, or sarinda. It creates a festive and joyful atmosphere. Attan reflects energy, discipline, and communal pride, while Jhumar is graceful and often performed at weddings and celebrations. These dances preserve our identity and strengthen social bonds.
Interviewer: The conference focuses on Lazgi, Uzbekistan’s famous traditional dance. What attracts you most to Lazgi?
Vikas Kumar: Lazgi is a mesmerizing art form. Its expressive hand movements, swift footwork, and ability to portray emotions and sounds of nature make it unique. UNESCO’s recognition of Lazgi as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019 was well deserved. What fascinates me most is how Lazgi tells stories of life, happiness, and love—values that are universal and also reflected in Balochistan’s folk dances.
Interviewer: Do you see similarities between Balochistan’s dances and Lazgi?
Vikas Kumar: Absolutely. Both traditions celebrate life through rhythm and movement. Both are deeply rooted in history and community life. Chaap and Lazgi may differ in style, but they share the same spirit of cultural expression, storytelling, and unity. This reflects the ancient ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan through the Silk Road, trade routes, and shared civilizational heritage.
Interviewer: What do you hope to contribute at the conference?
Vikas Kumar: I hope to share Balochistan’s experiences in preserving traditional arts through festivals, digital archiving, and community engagement. Our department has been working to integrate cultural heritage into tourism and education. I believe these practical experiences can contribute positively to discussions on safeguarding traditional dance forms.
Interviewer: And what do you hope to learn from other participants?
Vikas Kumar: I am eager to learn innovative methods for youth engagement, international cultural collaboration, and combining traditional dance with contemporary creative forms. Such ideas can help us modernize preservation efforts while keeping authenticity intact.
Interviewer: Do you foresee future cultural cooperation between Balochistan and Uzbekistan?
Vikas Kumar: Certainly. I would love to see joint festivals, artist exchanges, academic collaboration, and tourism partnerships between our two friendly nations. Culture is one of the strongest bridges between people, and dance can play a vital role in bringing our societies closer.
Interviewer: Finally, what message would you like to share with the world through this participation?
Vikas Kumar: My message is simple: dance unites humanity beyond language, borders, and differences. Whether it is the rhythm of Balochistan’s Chaap and Attan or the elegance of Uzbekistan’s Lazgi, these traditions remind us of our shared humanity. Let culture lead the way toward friendship, harmony, and mutual respect.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Vikas Kumar, and best wishes for your participation in Khiva.
Vikas Kumar: Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure.
