The Gandhara Hindko Board (GHB) organized a painting and calligraphy contest, at its academy to highlight various aspects of the rich culture of Peshawar. The contestants, both boys and girls, used water colours to spotlight the tangible heritage of Peshawar as observed by them. The competitors were from various public and private schools of the provincial metropolis.
The children used special pens and brushes to write in attractive calligraphy the poetry of great 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. A noted educationist Mufti Moin Sadiq was the chief guest. A senior teacher of English language and author, Professor Syed Anwar Shah Kazmi, and Dr Anwarul Hassan were the guests of honour.
Dr Samina Zahid presided over the programme conducted by a distinguished cultural activist and columnist Dr Salahuddin. In painting, the work of Quratul Ain was adjudged the best. Farah Azam was placed in the second grade while Asmaul Hasna won the third prize.
Noor Khan lifted the first prize, Moazzam Ali second and Siddiqa work was adjudged to be the third best in calligraphy.
Speaking on the occasion, Director (Admin) of the Gandhara Hindko Academy and noted Hindko writer, poet and research scholar, Ziauddin Siddiqui, said 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 kids channelize their energies," he added.