The 21st annual competition of Glimpses of India is being organised by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) of the Indian Embassy in Cairo, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
During the two-day competition, hundreds of school children spend their time drawing various images and impressions about India in five places in Cairo: the Indian mission; India House, the residence of the Indian Ambassador on the Nile bank in Zamalek; Al-Azhar Park; the Children’s Creativity Centre; and Misr Public Library.
“Our children are our treasure, they are our future,” India’s Ambassador to Cairo Sanjay Bhattacharyya said. This year’s competition includes topics on: India and Egypt, BFF – best friends forever; Bollywood through my eyes; Incredible India; Indian Festivals; and India, Past and Future. These topics help give an added perspective to the relation between the peoples of the two countries and, Mr Bhattacharyya said, “help us see the images and dreams of our children.
“I believe Glimpses of India provides an opportunity for children to research India and showcase their artistic talents. I hope it creates a bond between Egyptian young people and India, so that when they grow older they become ambassadors of the special friendship that exists between the people of these two ancient civilisations and that are seeking to create a glorious future,” he said.
The competition is an annual feature in Cairo that commemorates the birthdays of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister.
This year, children aged between 6-18 years including those with special needs from various government, private and national schools in Cairo and Giza governorates are participating in the competition.
A three-member jury will select 75 winners from 15 different categories who will be invited to the award function on 16 November at Gomhouriya Theatre in Cairo.
A catalogue featuring the prize-winning paintings of the children will be distributed at the ceremony.
Watani International
13 October 2015