For an 8th grade student who paints with his feet because he has no hands, creativity demands interest, not a perfect body.

Umar Javed, a student of the Al-Farabi Special Education institute, received a special prize for making one of the best paintings.

He was among the top eight students who received special appreciation letters and certificates by the ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadjan Movlamvo, at a prize-distribution ceremony held at the National Library auditorium on Thursday.

The prizes were given to students who participated in a painting competition orgaised by the Institute of Peace and Development Studies to highlight the concept of neutrality and peace. Despite his disability, Umar Javed stood 8th in the competition. The other winners included: Rehan Azhar, Ali Hassan, Zanaib, Mubashar Azhar and Farah Waheed. In addition, a number of diplomats and staff of the embassy were given awards for participating in the painting competition.

“Though I don’t have arms and hands, I can easily do everything with my feet,” Javed said. The promising student said he wanted to become an artist.

Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Movlamvo said knowledge learnt by participating in the event would help the students understand Turkmenistan.

Federal Secretary Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Mohammad Azam was the chief guest. He appreciated the artwork of the students.

— Text by Kashif Abbasi

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2015

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