Egyptian Students Paint Their Views On India

    • rohit.david@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: May 29 2016 5:21PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: May 29 2016 5:25PM
Egyptian Students Paint Their Views On India

 Around 4,000 children from more than 400 schools and national institutes based in Cairo and Gaza participated in a competition titled ‘Glimpses of India’. Organised by Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, Embassy of India, the event was held at four venues across Cairo from October 13-15. Some of the students spoke on what their paintings stand for and what’s so common between India and Egypt... 

'I drew an Indian girl dressed in her traditional attire' 

On the painting: I drew an Indian girl dressed in her traditional attire. With hope in her eyes, she is looking at India, a country that can fulfill her dreams and aspirations. It is a nation that has established itself as a pioneer in scientific and space research. The painting indicates that commoners have not given up on their traditions but still dream of being a part of India’s progress.   

  

On the commonality between India and Egypt: Both the countries are extremely hospitable towards their guests. We respect other traditions and are willing to make them part of our society.

Ehdaa Usama Khalifa, 20 years

'I showcased an ISRO satellite'

On the painting: My painting shows a satellite representing India’s space agency (ISRO). India became the first Asian country to enter Mars, and now, it’s all set to explore other planets.

  

On the commonality between India and Egypt: Stamped as developing nations, New Delhi and Cairo have a rich ancient history. People of both nations value their traditions. 

Affinity for India: I love the colourful Indian dresses, right from ‘sarees’, ‘salwar kurta’, Rajasthani turban etc.  

Mai Hanafy Hassa, 16 years

'I painted an Indian villager'

On the painting: The first thing that struck me about India was traditional women in sarees. I have painted a village woman in front of the Taj Mahal. To everyone’s surprise the monument built by Shah Jahan is not white, but has colour splashed on it. This shows how India has changed through the ages. 

   

On the commonality between India and Egypt: The concept of marriage. Both the countries consider it sacred. 

Nayera Abdelhameed Hassan, 14 years

'I drew Mughal era ruler Akbar'

On the painting: I  have painted Akbar, the great Mughal ruler, who established a religion of tolerance, expanded his empire, abolished unlawful taxes and contributed towards India’s growth. Also, I was inspired by Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of Akbar, in a film. 

  

On the commonality between India and Egypt: People of both countries look quite similar. Both countries take pride in their wealth of historical monuments. We also share religious tolerance.  

Affinity for India: I studied about India in my school textbook. The vibrant history, culture and traditions speak volumes about this nation. Superior-quality films from India also indicate that the country has become an entertainment hub.

Rawan Atta Saad, 17 years

'I showed a lady wearing a saree'

On the painting: I have shown a lady who is wearing a decorated sari. Behind her is a rising sun, obliquely referring to the fact that India is emerging as a superpower. The house behind the woman stresses that India is a safe place for everyone. India is a land of rivers, as shown in the painting, which encourages everyone to live freely. 

  

Knowing about India: There are many Indian channels which are very popular in Egypt. Browsing the net and watching Indian shows allowed me to learn about the traditions and culture of this country. 

Rawan Tarek Mustafa, 15 years

'I drew both modern and traditional India'

On the painting: I have showcased both modern and rural India in my painting. While thinking about India, the image that comes to mind is that of a villager playing a violin or a similar instrument. Even though the woman lives in a village, she has a mobile phone. The sketch shows that technological breakthrough (mobile phones and internet) has touched every corner of India.

  

Affinity for India: Historical monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort are a huge draw. Also, the number of movies made here leaves me speechless. Reading about India in my school textbook made me more curious about the country. I read more and more to come closer to India.

Donia Hassan Abdelal, 16 years

'My painting shows a traditional India'

On the painting: Thinking about India, the first thing that comes to my mind are traditional Indian dancers. In my painting, there is a laptop, space rocket, cell phone and computer behind the dancers. This indicates that India has not lost its ancient rustic touch, but it is also making a significant strides in other areas.

  

On the commonality between India and Egypt: Our social customs, cultures and traditions are very similar. We also like to stay attached to our roots just like Indians. 

Affinity for India: There are so many different cultures and traditions that people practice in India. Yet, they remain together under one umbrella, that is ‘India’. Moreover, I also admire the architectural monuments built by Mughal rulers in the country.

Rehab Abdelghani ElSaid, 16 years

'I drew an Indian village'

On the painting:  I have drawn an Indian villager sitting in front of her hut. Behind her is a space rocket which tells the world about India’s successful Mars mission. This villager had dreams: that her life would become better and her country would be stand tall among other nations in the world. Her dreams have come true.   

  

On the commonality between India and Egypt: It has to be the high levels of population and the ancient cultures.

Ayatulla Osama Khalifa, 16 years

'I made Tagore'

On the painting: I drew Rabindranath Tagore, the great India poet and artist. For me, Tagore is the face of Indian culture. It was his works that have not only inspired many Indians but others like me around the world. 

On the commonality between India and Egypt: Tagore and the Egyptian poet Ahmad Shawki were close friends. Shawki had put a picture of Tagore in his house.

  

Admiring India: Apart from arts, literature, crafts and technological progress, I wish that school textbooks would include more information about the archaeological sites in India as well as information on Indian poets and intellectuals.

Affinity for India: Vibrant colours and different traditions in each state.  

Sandy Farid Ess, 18 years

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