Thatta Kedona

Culture is a Basic Need

Empowering Communities: A Visit of Hope

Member of National Assembly (MNA) from Okara, Mr. Nadeem Abbas Rabera, paid a surprise visit today to the village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka to see the handicrafts project Thatta Kedona. During his visit, he toured different sections of the handicrafts center and was briefed about various challenges faced both by the project and the village community.


Mr. Rabera praised the quality of the handicrafts, especially the beautiful ethnic dolls prepared by the rural women. He appreciated the dedication and creativity of the artisans and assured his support in addressing important local issues.

Among the matters discussed were the construction of a tough tile-paved street leading to the handicrafts center, a less than one-kilometer soling road from More Shaikhu to the Village, and the transformation of the old pond area into an entertainment and recreation park for women and children.


The visit brought great encouragement to the women associated with Thatta Kedona and raised hopes for positive developments in the village.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:19 AM, ,

Spotlight on Rural Craftsmanship

Thatta Kedona, a proud handicrafts project from Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka (Okara), is bringing its vibrant handmade dolls and colorful creations to Tamasha 2026 Art Festival at Lahore American School today, 5 May 2026.


Celebrate rural artisans and support community craft at this meaningful exhibition. Drop by, experience the beauty, and uplift local talent.


Hope to see you at Lahore American School, 15 Canal Bank Rd, Upper Mall, Lahore. Don’t miss it if you’re in Lahore.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 11:17 AM, ,

A Heartfelt Thank You from Dr. Siller

Dr. Norbert Pintsch, upon his return to Germany after visiting Pakistan, wrote in an email that the days spent here brought Dr. Senta Siller immense happiness. She continues to cherish the unforgettable warmth, heartfelt hospitality, and enthusiastic welcome extended to her everywhere.


She is particularly moved by her visit to the village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, where the new Thatta Kedona showroom left a deep impression. To Dr. Siller, this beautiful showroom is more than just a space - it is a living testament that the seed she once planted through Thatta Kedona has not withered, but has grown stronger over time, continuing to blossom and bear fruit.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 11:28 AM, ,

Pakistan, 1-7 April 2026


The recent week-long visit of German artist, designer, and social worker Dr. Senta Siller was a truly memorable journey of creativity, connection, and purpose.

From Lahore to Islamabad, Okara, and most importantly the heart of her decades-long mission — the village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka — this poster captures powerful moments of her engagements, meetings, and interactions with communities.

Her unwavering dedication to empowering rural women through art, design, and sustainable livelihoods continues to leave a lasting impact. Each image reflects not just visits, but meaningful exchanges, shared visions, and a legacy that keeps growing.

A week that once again strengthened bonds, inspired minds, and celebrated a lifelong commitment to social change.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 3:09 PM, ,

Honoring a Champion: Dr. Senta Siller's Legacy Takes Root at University of Okara


Dr. Senta Siller is receiving a commemorative shield from the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sajjad Mubeen of the University of Okara at a ceremony in her honour. Dr. Mubeen also announced to name the first under-construction female Hostel of the university after Dr. Senta Siller.

More images

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:47 AM, ,

Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch in Pakistan

 


During their recent visit to Pakistan, Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch met Secretary General Aftab Muhammad Khan at the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) in Islamabad.


Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch also called on Mr. Abdul Salam Shah, DG TDAP at his office in Islamabad.


Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch with Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Deputy German Ambassador and his wife at their residence in Islamabad.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:25 AM, ,

Cross-Cultural Bridge Builder: Dr. Senta Siller Honored for Empowering Rural Pakistan

During their recent visit to Pakistan, German artist, designer, and anthropologist Dr. Senta Siller, along with her husband, Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch, visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

They were warmly received by LCCI President Mr. Fahren-ur-Rehman Saigol, who presented a commemorative shield to Dr. Senta Siller in recognition of her outstanding services to rural women in Pakistan—particularly her impactful work in the small village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara.


A meaningful moment celebrating dedication, empowerment, and cross-cultural friendship.

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 9:12 AM, ,

UO pays tribute to Dr Senta Siller’s services

In recognition of the German artist and academician Dr Senta Siller’s services for women empowerment, gender

By Hadia Batool

In recognition of the German artist and academician Dr Senta Siller’s services for women empowerment, gender mainstreaming and female entrepreneurship, a seminar was organized by the Directorate of External Linkages and Directorate of Public Relations at the University of Okara where the Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Sajjad Mubin, and various member of Okara’s civil society paid tribute to Dr Siller who is currently visiting Pakistan along with her husband, Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch. A large number of faculty members and students from the Weekend Program participated in the event.


Speaking at the eve, the VC eulogized Dr Siller’s lifelong services for teaching entrepreneurship skills to the Pakistani women, especially in a small village of Okara, Thatta Ghulamka Diroka. He also asserted that education was the best investment for social and economic development of the society.

Prof Mubin announced to name the under-construction girls hostel at the campus after Dr Siller. Amjad Ali, a correspondent of the German broadcasting service and an academician, briefed about the project “Thatta Kedona”, initiated by Dr Siller in 1990s. He told how the project had empowered thousands of village women and changed the socio-economic dynamics of the village.

Dr Siller, in her keynote address, explained the factors that led to her motivation of investing her energies for the project. Dr Pintsch told the journey of Dr Siller. The other speakers included a Aslam Tahir ul Qadri, a renowned social worker from Okara, and Chaudary Maqsood Ahmed Jutt, a representative of various agricultural bodies of Pakistan. 


The event was moderated by the Deputy Director (Press, Media & Publications) at the UO, Sharjeel Ahmed.

Also, published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026
More images

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 12:51 PM, ,

Thatta Kedona in the University of Okara

 


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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 4:47 PM, ,

From the Past

Reminder: Visit two years ago, in March 2020, at the Iqbal House in Lahore, with SPARC's founder, painter and calligrapher Anees Yaqub.

Allama Iqbal house & museum located near Lahore Railway Station is the last residence of Pakistan's national poet/ philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. Allama Iqbal lived here from 1935 til his death in 1938. Several of Allama Iqbal's personal items are preserved and displayed, including original furniture, clothes, medications and original manuscripts and diaries. Very well maintained and a must-see for everyone.





Please also see pages 65-66 here

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posted by S A J Shirazi @ 11:54 AM, ,


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