Pioneering Inclusion Through Art:Poonam Jain’s Research Connects Histories at UNESCO Chair Investiture Ceremony

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News UNESCO Chair, UMISAA,BNU, Paksitan - 27th March 2025

Lahore, Pakistan – In a remarkable convergence of art, history, and cross-cultural dialogue, acclaimed artist and researcher Poonam Jain shared her profound insights during the UNESCO Chair Investiture Ceremony at the Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA), Beaconhouse National University (BNU). The event celebrated the power of art in fostering inclusion, a vision deeply embodied in Jain’s residency at the UMISAA, where she explored the intertwined histories of India and Pakistan through Lahore’s rich commercial printing heritage.

Uncovering Forgotten Narratives

During her residency, Jain embarked on an extraordinary journey through Lahore’s historic printing landscape, tracing the remnants of Mufeed-e-Aam Press—now known as Printing Corporation of Pakistan Press—in Urdu Bazaar. Her research also led her to the Mahajani Landa Script, printed in 1941 at Ganpat Road, a site once home to the now-vanished Pak-Type Foundry, a cornerstone of Lahore’s printing legacy.

“These spaces are not just relics of the past; they are living testimonies of shared histories,” Jain reflected. “The migration of printing techniques, scripts, and craftsmen across borders speaks to a collective cultural memory that transcends political divides.”





 Engaging with Lahore’s Printing Community

Jain’s work went beyond archival research—she immersed herself in Lahore’s vibrant printing community, documenting how these historical hubs have evolved. Through conversations with local artisans, typographers, and historians, she highlighted the resilience of these traditions and their role in shaping South Asia’s visual culture.

Her findings resonate deeply with UNESCO’s mission of fostering dialogue through heritage and art, making her presentation at the Investiture Ceremony a fitting tribute to the institute’s vision. The newly inaugurated UNESCO Chair at UMISAA aims to promote South Asian artistic collaboration, and Jain’s research exemplifies how art can bridge divides and reclaim forgotten narratives.

 

About UMISAA:
The UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Arts (UMISAA) at Beaconhouse National University is dedicated to advancing artistic excellence and regional harmony through education and cultural exchange. The newly conferred UNESCO Chair further solidifies its commitment to fostering inclusive art practices across South Asia.

 

About Poonam Jain:
A multidisciplinary artist and researcher, Jain’s work explores historical narratives, migration, and identity through printmaking, archives, and community engagement. Her residency at UMISAA marks a significant contribution to the discourse on shared South Asian heritage.