Haripur calligrapher clinches gold medal

Over 400 artists from all over Pakistan took part in the competition

LAHORE:

A calligrapher from Government High School Shadi Hatar, Syed Zameerul Hassan, took the gold medal for the first position in the competition titled ‘Modern Islamic Calligraphy’ at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore. He was also awarded Rs 25,000 cash prize.

Meanwhile, Zubair Mughal and Amjad Alvi from Faisalabad and Lahore secured the second and third positions respectively. More than 400 artists from all over Pakistan took part in the competition while Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar was invited as the chief guest.

The paintings were exhibited on October 14, while demos were given on October 15. Hassan made a demo painting which was presented to the chief minister by Alhamra Assistant Director Zulfiqar Zulfi.

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Hassan’s achievement is being appreciated by the educational circles of Haripur. Renowned educationist Hafiz Sarfraz said that Zameer is an asset and a source of prestige for the Haripur district.

On contact, the winner said, “I’ve been fond of art since I was a child. I also make pencil portraits but have confined my work to the extent of the hobby.”

He said his passion increased with time and he took part in a competition for the first time. Hassan also added that he got a government job on the basis of his skill.

He dedicated his victory to his parents and said his father supported him at every stage in life. He also said he belongs to a middle-class family but did not lose hope despite limited resources, adding that he has worked hard for years to establish prowess in the arts.

He revealed that a pencil portrait takes several weeks to complete, and said he also knows how to make portraits using threads - a skill he picked up from the competent workers in the field, without any formal training.

Hassan suggested there should be a government-run academy in every village to encourage talented people associated with the field.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2021.