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Hindu Gymkhana project completion by March

KARACHI: The project of the Hindu Gymkhana would be completed by March this year.

This was stated when Sindh Minister for Education, Culture, Tourism and Sports, Anita Ghulam Ali, visited the Hindu Gymkhana premises here on Friday.

'It is our collective duty to protect the buildings of historical and cultural importance', she said.

The minister directed that the work of Hindu Gymkhana project be completed at the earliest and the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others be also included in the task so as to protect our cultural heritage.

She assured that the government would extend every possible assistance in this respect.

Provincial Secretary, Culture, Tourism and Sports, Abdul Hameed Akhund, briefing the minister said the Hindu Gymkhana was constructed in 1925 and spread over 47,000 square yards. It was a very beautiful building of that very area.

He said that for restoring the building to its original shape, a scheme was approved in 1994-95 and a sum of Rs 19.17 million were allocated. Of these a sum of Rs 13 million has so far been spent on the project.

Akhund stated that there is a plan to set up Culture Department Institute of Fine Arts where students would be imparted knowledge about cultural skills.

He informed the minister that the Hindu Gymkhana project would be completed and opened in March this year. It will consist of crafts institute, textile museum, open air museum and open theatre. APP