Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

At 16, Sharjah-based poet Thahaani Hashir releases her 3rd book

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Kollam, KERALA / Sharjah, U.A.E :

Thahaani Hashir released her 3rd book at the SIBF on Sunday afternoon. Kamal Kassim/Gulf today

Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday was full of hustle and bustle. Lots of beautiful minds landed in Sharjah to regale audiences in the evening.

Celebrated Indian writer Chetan Bhagat inspired his fans, while Bollywood star Huma Qureshi mesmerised her audience. Malayalm actor, author and presenter Aswathy Sreekanth also arrived at the book fair on Sunday evening to talk about her latest book “Kaali.” She also enchanted her fans with her exciting talk.

On the other side, Writers Forum of the SIBF was swarming with school-going children in the afternoon. They were all chirping and giggling with excitement and joy. They were at the venue to cheer their young friend and classmate Thahaani Hashir. Thahaani’s journey to the world of writing is indeed incredible. Her brush with pen and paper started very early in life.

We expect a 16-year-old student to read books to develop his or her intellect, but Sharjah-based Indian student Thahaani Hashir was gracing the podium of SIBF with her third book of poetry, “Made For Love,” in the presence of a huge gathering, who were constantly clapping for this young girl. It was indeed a moment to behold.

Thahaani is an 11th grade student of Our Own English High School, Sharjah. Born and brought up in the UAE, she hails from Kollam, Kerala, India.

Thahaani made her debut at the age of 10 with her book “Through My Window Panes.” The book was released in 2018 and she became the youngest author at the SIBF. She received lots of praise for her debut book. Her second book of 30 poems “Flames That Never Died” came in 2021, while she was 13.

Talking to Gulf Today before the launch of her book, she said, “I always had the habit of writing. I must have been six years old when my class teacher noticed the talent in me. I would write short stories or something in song format. I did not know then how a poem looks like. But it was my class teacher Madhavi ma’am who saw this talent in me and she encouraged me to carry on and that’s how I got into writing.”

Thahaani’s ability to express her emotion with so much of maturity at this age is what makes her a shining star.

“Made For Love” is a compilation of 60 poems written by Thahaani Hashir and illustrated by Ashar Gandhi. Each of the 60 poems are depicted through one line illustration (entire illustration is drawn with a single continuous line, the pen is only lifted when completed). It is a rare occurrence to see all the poems in a book depicted through one line art.

Talking about her book she said, “Majority of my poetry is about love.”
When asked how much time it took for her to complete her third book, she informed, “After my second book, I did not write for a good while for some reason. It could be writer’s block sort of thing. But in the last one year I could find my rhythm back and here I am with my new book.”

When asked to reveal her favourite author, she said, “Palestinian poet and author Mahmoud Darwish is my all-time favourite.”

Daughter of a civil engineer father and journalist mother, Thahaani has received several accolades.

Praising Thahaani, one of her teachers, who was present at the event said, “While she was in Grade 1, she was brilliant in all the subjects. She would always come to meet me with different ideas. Everyday she would write and show to me. I really have no words to express her talent and I am extremely happy to have been her teacher.”

The 12-day cultural extravaganza, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, is themed “It Starts with a Book,” and has in store 1,357 activities for children and adults alike. It will come to a close on November 17 after playing host to 2,520 publishers from 112 countries.

source: http://www.gulffoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter / November 14th, 2024

Story rooted in raw realities: Award-winning director Muhammad Musthafa on his second directorial Mura

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Thenjipalam, KERALA :

Muhammad Musthafa is an award-winning director and actor who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry.

Muhammad Musthafa is an award-winning director and actor who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. The critically acclaimed actor-turned-filmmaker made his directorial debut with the 2020 film Kappela. The film earned Anna Ben the Best Actress Award and Musthafa the Best Debut Director Award, respectively, at the 51st Kerala State Film Awards. Additionally, its production design by Anees Nadodi was honored at the 68th National Film Awards. Musthafa also won a special mention for his performance in the film Ain at the 62nd National Film Awards.

Musthafa’s second movie, Mura, with all its tropes of a gangster drama — revenge, high-end action, and bloodshed — is running in theatres now. The film features Suraj Venjaramoodu and All We Imagine As Light-fame Hridhu Haroon in the lead roles. Mura also stars Maala Parvathi, Kani Kusruti, Kannan Nayar, among others.

Musthafa talks to Maktoob’s Nikita Ramanarayanan:

Nikita Ramanarayanan: Mura takes a raw, intense portrayal of violence and revenge, marking a shift from the subtle suspense and drama in your debut work Kappela. What inspired this gritty new direction?

Muhammad Musthafa: After Kappela, I wanted to explore something more visceral and intense. The scriptwriter and I had been discussing various subjects, and ultimately, we felt most drawn to a story rooted in the raw realities he had witnessed in his hometown. He brought with him a wealth of experiences and observations from his own community events and stories he had seen or heard, each carrying an edge of realism and grit.

By weaving these together, we shaped a story that felt grounded yet powerful. This approach not only only allowed us to create a narrative that is genuine and impactful, but also gave us the opportunity to work with new talent.

Nikita: Mura features elements of Trivandrum’s local culture, especially in its use of dialect and slang. Could you share how you approached the cultural aspect of the film and why it was important to root the tale in Trivandrum?

Musthafa: Our screenwriter, who is from Trivandrum, drew heavily from his own observations of the city. The culture, stories, dialect, colloquial slang, and mannerisms of the people he grew up around naturally influenced the story’s setting and language, adding a layer of authenticity that we aimed to preserve, resulting in a narrative that feels raw and relatable.

However, while the essence of Trivandrum is embedded in the film, we wanted to creatively craft a story that could resonate with it. By setting Mura in Trivandrum, we were able to showcase a side of the city that often goes unseen, using the dialect and local flavor to bring a distinct realism to the characters and story.

To further root the film in Trivandrum’s culture, we chose actors with ties to the location. We held auditions there to find emerging talent who could bring the local nuances to life. Also we were fortunate to have talented actors like Hridhu, Suraj, and Mala Parvathy, who also share ties with Trivandrum. Their performances brought depth to the characters, helping us capture the city’s spirit in a genuine way.

Nikita: You brought in new talents for this film. The friendship between the four main characters is central to the plot, how did you approach directing this group dynamic?

Musthafa: Working with fresh talent was a rewarding experience, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly they adapted to the demands of their roles. Although most of them were newcomers, they didn’t let that hold them back. To build their confidence and help them develop a natural rapport, we organized a 10 day workshop before filming. This preparation was essential for addressing any initial camera fear, allowing them to fully embrace their characters and form a close bond as a group.

Hridhu, the only one with prior film experience, played a key role in this process. We brought him into the workshop, so he could help guide and support the others, allowing them to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. His presence was a big boost to their confidence, and it set the tone for the group dynamic we wanted to achieve. Suraj also visited the workshop to interact with the cast and share his insights.

By the time we started, the actors had developed a beautiful camaraderie that felt genuine and natural on screen. Their friendship became the heart of the film, adding depth to the story. Despite being new to acting, they brought a raw, candid energy to their roles.

Nikita: The film incorporates powerful visual motifs that enhance the storytelling and highlight the film’s deeper themes. Could you talk about the  visual choices and how they contribute to the overall mood of the story?

Musthafa: The pre production phase was absolutely key in developing the visual motifs that shape Mura. We dedicated significant time to brainstorming and experimenting with visuals that could subtly convey the film’s deeper themes and emotional tone.

There was a strong sense of dedication across the team, with everyone committed to making the film as visually and emotionally compelling as possible. By the time filming began, the visual motifs had become an essential storytelling tool, allowing us to communicate the film’s underlying themes.

Nikita: character of Ani, portrayed by Suraj Venjaramoodu, acts as a mentor figure for the younger men in Mura. And why did you choose to place Rema Devi, a female character, as his superior in the power hierarchy?

Musthafa: When the scriptwriter first shared the story, Rema Devi’s character already stood out as a strong, commanding presence. Her role was envisioned with a sense of dominance and authority. In many recent cases, there’s often a significant, sometimes unexpected, influence of women in positions of power or control.We wanted to reflect this complexity.

Rema’s position not only adds depth to the narrative but also challenges typical power structures. Her authority brings a new layer to the story. Ani, a seasoned figure himself, respects and even defers to Rema’s judgment, reflecting her formidable influence.

In developing Rema’s character, we aimed to craft a figure who could embody both strength and a touch of mystery, someone whose actions and decisions are respected, even if they may seem unconventional. Audiences have started taking notice of Rema, which is encouraging.

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / MaktoobMedia.com / Home> Film & TV / by Nikita Ramanarayanan / November 17th, 2024

A R Rahman wins ‘Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2024’ (HMMA) for Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘Aadujeevitham’

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

An adaptation of Benyamin’s 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel, ‘Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life’, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, follows the real-life story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer in Saudi Arabia.

Music composer A R Rahman. | Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj B

A.R Rahman has won the prestigious Hollywood Music in Media Awards 2024 for the background score of Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life in the Independent Film (Foreign Language) category.

Director Blessy who received the award on Rahman’s behalf at the gala ceremony in Los Angeles shared the news with The Hindu.

The HMMA Awards are considered the bellwether award for the Oscars. Earlier this week, Blessy told The Hindu that he was holding screenings in the US to make a bid for the Academy Awards in the general category.

“I truly believe Rahman has woven magic with both the songs and the background score. The BGM alone captures the character’s struggle, the raw emotion of their fight for survival in the desert. In a way, the score itself tells its own story, mirroring the depth of the character’s emotions,” he had said.

In a strong field, Rahman was competing against Segun Akinola for Girl You Know It’s True, Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane for Ka Wahawhai Tonu, Hao-Ting Shih and Tae-Young Yu for Mongrels, Karzan Mahmood for The Seed of the Sacred Fig and Sandro Morales-Santoro for The Shadow of The Sun for the jury’s nod.

An adaptation of Benyamin’s 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel, the Malayalam film follows the real-life story of Najeeb, a Malayali immigrant labourer in Saudi Arabia. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Jimmy Jean Louis, K.R. Gokul and Amala Paul.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> News / by The Hindu Bureau (headline edited) / November 21st, 2024

Sahitya Akademi Award for Hussain ul Haq: family says it’s a big day

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Sasaram / Gaya, BIHAR :

Hussain-ul-Haq with family

Bihar is on top of the list of Sahitya Akademi Awardee for 2020. Three litterateurs including Anamika of Muzaffarpur figure in the coveted national list. She is the first woman in the country to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award in Hindi for her poetry collection.

The 80-year-old Kamalkant Jha, who hails from Jayanagar in Madhubani, would get the award for his story collection ‘Gachh Rusal Achhi’ published in Maithili language.

The most discussed award is that of the famous storyteller Hussain-ul-Haq of Urdu, who lives in New Karimganj. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Amavas Mein Khwab. (Dreams in dark night).

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has congratulated Hussain-ul-Haq for getting Sahitya Academy Award. In a message to all three, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of great pride for Bihar that three of Bihar’s writers were named to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award. The entire Bihar is proud of them,” he said.

Hussain ul Haq has not been keeping good health. He returned home from Delhi where he had gone for treatment. This honour has brought cheers to the family. They shared happiness by distributing sweets.

Haq’s younger brother Dr Ain Tabish is Head of the department of English in Mirza Ghalib College, Gaya. Tabish told Awaz-the Voice, “Bhaiya receiving this honor is a big day for the family. It will inspire young writers and also make people realise that writing on social issues is relevant.”

Hussain ul Haq’with family and his books

Born in Sasaram in 1949, Hussain ul Haq’s writings are mostly on human bond and the middle-class society. According to Ahmed Sagir, a young writer who is close to Haq, in 1991, Hussain ul Haq’s first novel ‘Bolo Mat Chup Raho’ (Don’t speak; keep quiet) made waves. His second novel,‘Farat’ published in 1994, got him more limelight and recognition. For some reason, Hussein-ul-Haq didn’t write for a long period. The third novel ‘Amavas Mein Khawab’ hit the stand in 2071 and it sold like hotcakes. It made a great impact in the world of Urdu literature. He has been awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for this novel. The novel is based on a story about the changing socio-political environment in the time period between 1930 and 1950.

Hussain-ul-Haq has a deep affinity with Sufism. His family is the successor to the legacy of a great Sufi Saint and also the caretaker of his tomb – khanquah. His father, Maulana Anwarul is a well-known personality of Sasaram. Hussain ul Haq says he has imbibed the thinking and the way of understanding things from his father.

Though the family is settled in Gaya, their relationship with Sasaram remained intact. The influence of Khanqahi culture and Sufiism has played role in Haq’s focus on human bonds in his writing.

Hussain ul Haq, who retired as head of the Urdu department and proctor of Magadh University has also published eight story collections, three novels, and half a dozen other books.

After Abdul Samad, Mazhar Imam, Ilyas Ahmed Gaddi, Professor Jabir Hussain he is the fifth Urdu writer from Bihar to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Hussain ul Haq’speaking at a function

Friday brought in a lot of happiness in the Haq family. In the morning, the first news came that Hussain ul Haq has been awarded the Shamim Nikhat Memorial Fiction Award in UP and he will be honored  on 13 March at Lucknow. The organisation confers writers with a sum of Rs 50,000 and a memento. Haq will skip the award due to his ill health.

By the evening came the news of the Sahitya Academy Award filling the home with happiness and joy.

Ain Tabish says this award will have a big impact in the Urdu world as the message that writing based on serious issues and principles is still valued today.

Sahitya Akademi Award is the top award for Indian literature and is given away for 20 Indian languages. Among the recipients of this award are senior Congress leader and former Union Minister of Karnataka Veerappa Moily.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home>Story / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / March 13th, 2021

Arabic Language & Culture Competition: Abdulqadir Mohammed Meera Shaikh from Honnavar wins 1st prize

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Manki Village (Honnavar Taluk,Uttara Kannada District), KARNATAKA / Medina, SAUDI ARABIA :

Riyadh:

Abdulqadir Mohammed Meera Shaikh, a student from the Islamic University of Medina and hailing from Manki village in Honnavar Taluk, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, has won the first prize in the prestigious Arabic Language and Culture Competition.

Held in Riyadh and organised by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, the competition saw over 1,000 students from various nationalities showcasing their skills in Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Abdulqadir’s exceptional performance earned him a gold medal and a significant cash prize.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / November 17th, 2024

Former Bureaucrat and Author S.M. Khan Passes Away at 67

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, , , , , , , , , ,

Khurja (Bulandshahar District), UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi:

The sudden demise of veteran bureaucrat and author Shehzad Mohammad Khan, widely known as S.M. Khan, has left many in shock and grief. Social media is flooded with tributes, with admirers remembering him as a person of “utmost humility and generosity,” reports the ATV.

S.M. Khan passed away on Sunday at the age of 67 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and three children. His last rites took place today in his hometown of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, according to family sources.

Khan’s passing marks the end of an era in the Indian Information Service (IIS) and public relations field, where he set benchmarks for loyalty and dedication throughout his illustrious career.

Born on June 15, 1957, in Khurja, S.M. Khan completed his education at Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Wales, England. Joining the IIS in 1982, he held several critical roles over the years.

One of his most prominent assignments was serving as the spokesperson for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) between 1989 and 2002. During this time, he skilfully handled media communications for high-profile cases such as the Harshad Mehta financial scandal, Bofors scandal, and Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

From 2002 to 2007, Khan served as Press Secretary to President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His tenure included managing the President’s media relations and accompanying him on national and international tours. Inspired by Dr. Kalam, Khan authored Awami Sadar (The People’s President), which shed light on lesser-known aspects of the former president’s life.

Khan also played a pivotal role in shaping Indian media through his work as the Director General (News) of Doordarshan, where he oversaw coverage of significant events such as National Film Awards and Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Additionally, he served as Director of the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), representing India at prestigious platforms like the Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals.

Beyond his professional achievements, Khan was deeply involved in fostering interfaith harmony as a trustee of India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC). Elected Vice President of the IICC in 2019, he dedicated himself to promoting mutual understanding across communities.

S.M. Khan maintained a strong bond with his alma mater, Aligarh Muslim University, serving as a member of its Court and the Executive Council. His efforts in promoting education and cultural understanding continue to inspire many.

His passing is a significant loss to the nation, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and dedication.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Obiturary / by Radiance News Bureau / November 19th, 2024

Important to convey ideas, themes with probity: Nadeem Khan on translating from Marathi to English

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ),

Amravati, MAHARASHTRA :

Khan, whose last worked on the translation of Patil’s Panipat, a voluminous Marathi language classic published in 1988, said translating into English from any of the Indian languages is like moving into a different culture as idioms, emotional framework and cultural resonances change with language.

In 2018, Khan had translated two novels of Dongare, a Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puruskar winner who is regarded as an avant garde writer in regional literature.(Source: Amazon.in | Designed by Gargi Singh)

Being true to the word and spirit of the original work while making it resonate with the English reader is always a challenge, says writer Nadeem Khan, who has been translating the works of celebrated Marathi authors such as Prabhakar Narayan and Vishwas Patil.

Khan, whose last worked on the translation of Patil’s Panipat, a voluminous Marathi language classic published in 1988, said translating into English from any of the Indian languages is like moving into a different culture as idioms, emotional framework and cultural resonances change with language.

“My job is only to convey those ideas and themes in another language with the greatest probity and as attractively as possible,” Khan told PTI in an email interview. According to Khan, authors use different dialects of the language to describe their characters but it is tricky to transform something that has word-play involved, like in the case of another celebrated Marathi writer Avadhoot Dongare.

“Hence, being true to the word and spirit of the original work and yet making it resonate with the English reader is always a challenge. But my good fortune has been that I have grown up reading great works of translation of Tagore, Ismat Chughtai, Manto, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Vijay Tendulkar and that helped me find the right strategy for my work,” Khan said.

In 2018, Khan had translated two novels of Dongare, a Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puruskar winner who is regarded as an avant garde writer in regional literature. They were published in a single book titled, The Story of Being Useless + Three Contexts of a Writer. While translating Patil’s Panipat, the 69-year-old retired English professor had “serious difference of opinion” with the author, who is also his friend.

“I could so clearly see why it was such a big hit with the Marathi readers, but I also knew that a verbatim translation would take it nowhere among the English readers. The novel was a thrilling historical narrative, well-researched, but it appealed to the self-regard of the Marathi readers. So, my challenge was to retain all its epic qualities, its thrill and yet ensure that it targeted the universal admiration for integrity and courage,” Khan said.

Khan said he wanted the book to stand apart as an original historical-thriller in English while also carrying the aroma of the soil in which it was located. Comparing the styles of Marathi writeres such as late Prabhakar Narayan alias Bhau Padhye, Patil and Dongare, Khan, who lives in Amravati, Maharashtra, said each translation comes with a unique set of challenges.

“The texture of their language is very different, their readership is different, their well-springs and motivations are different. With Padhye, obviously, I didn’t have the facility of consulting him, but I found myself very comfortable with his philosophical and literary orientation and derived a different pleasure in offering him to the English readers.” Dongare, he said, has already made a name for himself in the world of regional literature.

“When I read his novels, I was absolutely sure that he had to be made available to a wider discerning readership. He was experimenting with the language and with the narrative style. “Translating him required me to catch and project the culture in which his characters were operating, very often the culture of the Pune streets, and to find the adequate register in English. It was quite challenging, and therefore very rewarding too.”

Khan said he tweaks the original writing to make it more English-reader-friendly but only after consulting with the original author as they have the last word. “I never allow myself to forget that the original work is theirs, the ideas are theirs, the themes are theirs, the messages are theirs, in fact, the reputation at stake is theirs, it’s their neck on the block…Their complete agreement with my effort is of paramount importance.”

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Books & Literature / by PTI / January 06th, 2021

700 films, 50 blockbusters, 40 double roles! India’s first superstar who’s stardom was bigger than AB, SRK

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KERALA :

Prem Nazir brought the golden era to the Malayalam film industry. He made a place in the hearts of people with his acting and generosity. In his 39 years of career, he made such records related to cinema which are almost impossible for the actors of today’s era to make or break.

Image Source : X / India’s first superstar was Prem Nazir

Whenever we talk about the most successful actors of India, then the names of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Dilip Kumar or Kamal Haasan come to our minds. But do you know there was a bigger superstar than these actors who made such records that are impossible to touch even today? Today we are going to tell you about that Indian superstar, who has given not one or two but 700 hit films.

Who was India’s first superstar?

We are talking about Prem Nazir, the superstar of Malayalam films of the 50s. Yes, the veteran star of Malayalam cinema is also called the actor who brought the golden era of Malayalam cinema. Prem’s acting was so powerful that every director of that era wanted to cast him in his film. Talking about Prem Nazir’s record, he made many big records like doing the most films, most double roles, most triple roles and about 130 films with the same heroine. Due to this, not two or three but 39 of his films were released in the year 1979.

How is Nazir different from other superstars?

To understand how great Prem Nazir’s record is, we tell you through a comparison. The biggest name in Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, has less than 60 hit films as a lead actor, out of which 10 are blockbusters. Now comes the talk of South superstar Rajinikanth, who has a record of more than 80 hits and more than a dozen blockbusters. Let us now talk about the three Khans as well. Salman Khan has given 39 hit films out of which 15 are blockbusters, followed by Shah Rukh Khan who has given 34 hit films including 10 blockbusters. Aamir Khan is far behind with 20 hit films including 6 blockbusters.

You will be surprised to know that even after adding the hit films of all these actors, they do not even come close to the number of hits of Prem Nazir along with 50 of these being blockbusters. He played the lead role in more than 700 films due to which his name is recorded in the Limca World Record. 

Other records in the name of Prem Nazir

Prem Nazir has many other records to his name. He worked with 85 heroines. Till the year 1975, Prem worked with actress Sheela in a total of 130 films. This is because he considered Sheela as his lucky charm. He played double roles in more than 40 films. Apart from this, he also appeared in triple roles in three films.

Nazir is also remembered for his compassion

Prem Nazir’s presence is a big reason why the Malayalam film industry was called the Golden Age. Prem was such an actor that if any of his films flopped, he would immediately ask the producer to start another film. The actor would take out dates from his busy schedule and do the producer’s films so that his losses could be compensated.

source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / India TV / Home> News> Entertainment> Celebrities / by Satish Verma, New Delhi / November 12th, 2024

Talent speaks louder than words at school science festival in Kerala

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Malappuram / Kozhikode , KERALA :

What is more exciting is that Ajay was trained by a visually impaired instructor from Malappuram.

Noushad & Ajay Balu

Alappuzha :

As the allotted time for the work experience events was almost to end, Ajay Balu, a Class V student from Rahmania School, Kozhikode, was busy crafting items from waste materials.

A regular participant at the State School Science Fair for the past three years, the visually impaired 10-year-old boy was thrilled to learn arts, attend the event and acquire more skills. “I have learnt to make craft items from waste materials and made swings, tables, chairs etc here. I have been trained by my teachers for the past two months and am excited to participate in these events,” says Ajay.

What is more exciting is that Ajay was trained by a visually impaired instructor from Malappuram. Noushad T has been working in the field of teaching art and craft to students with special needs for more than two decades now. “Being a visually impaired person, I was trained by several teachers in my school days. Now I am passing it on to these children,” he says, adding that children with special needs are skilled in arts. “There may be challenges. These children, however, show a talent for comprehending and completing tasks quickly. It is an advantage,” he adds.

As many as 957 students from 43 special schools across the state participated in the work experience category for visually and hearing impaired students in LP, UP, high school and higher secondary sections, held on Saturday. The competition was held in 22 categories.

At another end of the hall was G Vishnu, a Class X student, making life-like sculptures out of clay which won him the first prize in the category. Vishnu, a hearing-impaired artist, had bagged the first prize in clay modelling competitions for the past five years in the State School Science Fair in the work experience category and was also the first prize winner in cartoon and painting competitions in the State School Arts Fest.

Vishnu, a student of Fr Agotino Vicini’s Special School in Kochi, has been trained by Kochi-based sculptor Stanley from a very young age. “Training kids with difficulties is a task in the initial stages. But when they find interest in the craft, they grasp it quickly. Vishnu is an exceptionally talented student and you can see that in the art he made with years of training,” said Stanley.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Anna Jose & Manisha VCS / November 17th, 2024

Artist Ammar Abdi Honored with Honorary Doctorate by WEBBIC University, West Africa

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Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi

At the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, a convocation ceremony organized by Webbic University, Ghana, West Africa.

During this ceremony, many individuals from the country were honored with Honorary Doctorate Degree for their social work and talents. The degrees were conferred by Chancellor Dr. Felix Ofosu in recognition of their achievements.

In the event, Artist Ammar Abdi from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was honored with an honorary Doctorate Degree by the International University, Webbic University, Ghana, West Africa, for his talent.

Ammar started his career at a very young age. He has also been honored with many awards in the past, including the Exclusive Talent Award by Exclusive World Records.

His family is happy to receive this honor.

During this time, many other prominent individuals were also awarded honorary doctorates. Among them were Member of Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, Haider Abbas Chand; Senior Journalist and JCI President, Anurag Saxena; Operation Head of Exclusive World Records, Pankaj Khatwan; and Assistant Director of MSME, UP, Harish Yadav.

source: http://www.antimvikalp.com / Antim Vikalp News / Home> News / June 14th, 2023