Participants of the art fiesta, organised by superstore Ghouri's Icon were awarded prizes for their outstanding artworks based on different themes. The competition was organised by the susperstore's owner to encourage the students to express their opinions using art and paintings as a medium. PHOTO: EXPRESS
This 'Art Fiesta', which commenced on September 28, concluded on Wednesday with a graceful ceremony outside the store. Students from six schools, the Army Public School, Public School, APWA High School, Saint Mary's High School, The City School and Beaconhouse High School, participated in the competition.
The students were asked to produce artwork based on specified themes, including Pakistan Zindabad, water: the source of life, wasting food is wasting planet, impact of internet on youngsters, beauty of Sukkur and parents' love. Since the start of the exhibition, boxes were placed next to the paintings and people were asked to vote for their favourite works by casting their votes in the boxes.
The store's owner, Amir Ghouri, told The Express Tribune that the idea behind the competition was to spark life into what were otherwise the dull routine lives of the students. He expressed his gratitude to the schools and students for their eager response to the competition. Students were encouraged to express their views through paintings and artwork which in itself is a healthy exercise, he added.
Sukkur assistant commissioner Dr Waheed Asghar was the chief guest at the occasion, which was also attended by renowned poet and writer Ayaz Gul, Dr Iqbal Daudpoto of SIUT Sukkur, Beaconhouse School principal Atiya Batool, Saint Mary's High School principal Sister Rosey and a large number of students. The first prize was bagged by Zunaira Malik of the APWA School for her painting, titled 'Parents' love'. Malik, expressing her jubilance at having been awarded the prize, hoped that such events would be arranged regularly so that students had a medium to share their views and opinions. Dedicating her feat to her parents and teachers, she advised her fellow students to take out time for healthy recreational activities besides studies too.
Sindhi poet and writer Ayaz Gul said that Sukkur was lacking cultural events, adding that such efforts were needed to pull society out of intolerance, stress and tensions of the prevailing situation. "I hope more people will engage in such healthy activities, which will have a positive impact on society and especially on our younger generation."
Sister Rosey, in her comments, said that it was not a matter of winning or losing - rather, it was the participation that counted. "Because of our wrong doings today, we are living amid panic and harassment. Such beautiful events can help overcome our problems."
Batool remarked that all the participating students had done a very good job and that such events increased their confidence.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
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I totally appreciate your efforts Mr Aamir and Miss Maha. The way Miss Maha kept regular contact with our students and motivated them to bring out the best in them was laudable. Moreover, you all (the ICON team) have once again gone off the way to do something different and have created a win-win situation for the people of Sukkur and ICON by Ghouri's. The last and most importantly, I would like to say my heartiest thanks to Mr Aamir Ghouri who has always brought different ideas to engage his customers and spread goodwill.
We put our efforts in promoting the artistic thoughts and mindset , we wish them all to lead their talent in flying colors , and we are thankful to all media specially Express Tribune for bearing the space in newspaper for a small initiative . Special thanks to Sir: Aamir Ghouri for encouraging us to do so ...
We put our efforts in promoting the artistic thoughts and mindset , we wish them all to lead their talent in flying colors , and we are thankful to all media specially Express Tribune for bearing the space in newspaper for a small initiative . Special Thanks to Sir: Aamir Ghouri for encouraging us to do so ..
What a marvelous art exhibition it was! I've never seen art getting much support and appreciation in Sukkur. Thank you ICON once again for proving that you guys will always be there to share the positive energy and take us away from negative thoughts and terrorism.
I specially liked the artwork on the themes of "Wasting water is wasting planet" and "Pakistan Zindabad". ICON by Ghouri's has been continuously engaging customers and coming with initiative ways to spread positivity. Bravo to the whole ICON team! Keep up the good work!
Such events should be a regular feature in Sukkur. I've visited a number of times during the exhibition and the response all the artwork was getting from kids and grown-ups was beyond amazing. Kids pointing out their school's artwork to their families and customers engaging in the voting process was heartening to see. Congratulations on a phenomenal success of Art Fiesta. I whole-heartedly appreciate the efforts of Mr Aamir Ghouri and the whole ICON team.