PESHAWAR: Schoolchildren highlighted various aspects of the rich culture of Peshawar at a painting and calligraphy contest arranged by Gandhara Hindko Academy here on Thursday.

The contestants, both boys and girls, used water colours to spotlight the tangible heritage of Peshawar as observed by them.

The competitors belonged to various public and private schools of the provincial metropolis.

The children used special pens and brushes to write in attractive calligraphy the poetry of Hindko mystic poet Sain Ahmad Ali. A number of art teachers and parents of the children accompanied them.

A ceremony was arranged on the lawn of the academy to honour the students, who excelled in the competition. Noted educationist Mufti Moin Sadiq was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof Syed Anwar Shah Kazmi, a senior English teacher and author, and Dr Anwarul Hassan were the guests of honour.

Dr Samina Zahid presided over the programme that was conducted by cultural activist and columnist Dr Salahuddin.

In painting, the work of Quratul Ain was adjudged the best. Farah Azam stood second while Asmaul Hasna won the third prize. Noor Khan won first prize, Moazzam Ali second and Siddiqa third prize in the calligraphy competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Gandhara Hindko Academy director Ziauddin Siddiqui said that children were rightly considered the future of a nation.

“Our children have been blessed with immense talent and they need to be encouraged to exhibit their qualities. This painting and calligraphy contest is an effort to help the children to channelise their energies,” he added.

Mr Siddiqui said that Gandhara Hindko Academy was set up by the provincial higher education department and its administrative affairs were being run by the Gandhara Hindko Board.

He said that the academy was working for promotion of Hindko language and culture in organised manner.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2015

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