A CELEBRATION OF TOGETHERNESS

(Saju Nair - Dubai) Over the years, The United Arab Emirates has displayed spectacular achievements in all sectors of life. Following the principle laid by the founding father of this great nation, each generation that has lead the country ensured that they scale new heights while respecting and preserving the rich culture and tradition that this country enjoys. Today, with all the developments and technological advancements in every segment, UAE has successfully established itself as one of the most preferred and safest destinations for many across the globe. With the presence of 200 plus nationalities residing here, there is not a single day that goes by without the bells of celebration and the art industry here always takes the lead to celebrate unity. The majority of the population of expatriates residing in the UAE are from India and Pakistan and that is the reason one of the leading galleries in the UAE, Funun Arts, decided to take the initiative in celebrating the 75th Independence Day of both the nations on a single platform by associating with talented artists from India and Pakistan.

Artworks exhibited @ 'Jashn-e-Azaadi'

Here I recall the quote of Mr. Dana Gioia, an American poet, literary critic, literary translator, and essayist and he quotes 'Art is an irreplaceable way of understanding and expressing the world' and this famous saying of Dana Gioia has got immense importance for the event that unfolded on 12th August 2021 @ Novotel World Trade Center. Understanding and accepting the little differences that make us unique goes a long way and these artists have embraced differences and highlighted common grounds that both nations share in an artistic way. The art exhibition titled 'Jashn-e-Azaadi' conducted at the Novotel World Trade Center, Dubai by the founders of Funun Arts, Ms. Shiba Khan, and Ms. Farah Khan hosted artists from India and Pakistan to express their solidarity to their nation and to spread the message of friendship and togetherness. The artworks exhibited were indeed a visual treat and one can experience the sense of harmony and unity resonating from them. The vibrant culture and tradition of both nations were clearly evident in the artworks created by these amazingly talented artists.

Artworks exhibited @ 'Jashn-e-Azaadi'

We have seen that Art has become one of the best mediums to express one's inner feelings be it your personal emotions, spiritualism, Patriotism, Solidarity, Anguish, Concerns and many more. Therefore, art has always provided a safe space for artists to express themselves without needing to hold back whilst simultaneously, doing so in a respectable manner. At the venue of 'Jashn-e-Azaadi', we witnessed a beautiful show built on the foundations of mutual respect and admiration, and all the praises go to the organizers and the talented artists who expressed their emotions on a canvas with vibrant colors. There were some spectacular artworks that emphasized on the importance of unity and humanity. Various religious symbols were portrayed on the same canvas in a harmonic manner which carries immense importance in the current world. The message of peace and unity was further echoed when an artist skillfully drew the portraiture of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of Nation - India) and Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Father of Nation - Pakistan) on a single canvas using specialized techniques. The artworks displayed also expressed spiritual sentiments, the vibrant local culture of both nations, stunning street views, and many abstract creations that illustrated the bond that connects the two nations and the values that the countries share, all in the perspective of an artist. As a whole, the artworks displayed did not simply please the eye, but they also touched the heart. Each artwork radiated the essence of Humanity, Unity, Patriotism and the strength of togetherness.

Artworks exhibited @ 'Jashn-e-Azaadi'

In a joint statement, Ms. Shiba Khan and Ms. Farah Khan shared their views about this event "We share large swaths of culture, and a common love for food, music, and art. Our culture, festival, sports are so same, even our Folk tales such as Heer Ranjha, Shirin and Farhad and Mirza Sahiban are famous in both lands. Sufism, poetry, and Sufi music is also well-known throughout Pakistan and India. Both countries are famous worldwide for their delicious cuisines. Behind each exhibition, there is a lot of hard work, from selecting the title, curating the event, creating promotional videos, selecting music, and so on. But we have put our soul in every minute detail to organize this art exhibition and it gives us more satisfaction when we see such colorful gatherings and the wide acceptance of our concept which also encourages us to come forward with more of such events that spreads the message of equality." It is also fascinating to notice that both the sons of Shiba Khan are getting involved in the creative field and now, being a part of such a gathering will of course motivate them to enhance their passion. Mohammad Huzaifa Khan, the youngest, exhibited a photograph from his collection of captures depicting a train and the railway network in India and connected it to the journey of life while the eldest, Khan Ayaan Abdullah showcased a photograph captured in India that shows a boat carrying a number of people portraying the huge diversity of India. He explained it by saying that people from different backgrounds are travelling on the same boat and life is similar, because in one way or another, we all share certain things in common.

The exhibition 'Jashn-e-Azaadi' was inaugurated by His Excellency Suhail Mohammad Al Zarooni - (Chairman of Zarooni Group) along with Dr. Faisal Ikram - (President of Pakistan Association Dubai), Dr. Sana Sajan - (Chairman of Danube Welfare Society) Mr. Amjad Ali Khan - (Chairman Pakistan Professional wing), Mr. Firoz Khan - (Chairman of Indian Performance Art), Mr. Faisal Abdul Qader - (Renowned Emirati Artist), Ahmed Alawadhi (Renowned Emirati Artist and Businessman) and Mr. Peter Gressmann - (Founder of artforumuae) and other invited guests and artists.

Artworks exhibited @ 'Jashn-e-Azaadi'

In his inaugural address, H.E. Suhail Mohammad Al Zarooni applauded the organizers for hosting an event that celebrates the strength of togetherness and he says "Arts overcome cultural and ethnic differences by bringing people together. Today is a very beautiful evening where we can experience such a variety of art around us. A vibrant and colorful environment gives energy and keeps our spirit high." Dr. Faisal Ikram expressed his love for the diversified culture that both countries cherish and he says "Art is a reflection of people and their social context. UAE is a nation of tolerance and this art exhibition is the best example of the same. Art also unifies differences and brings awareness." Dr. Sana Sajan, the chief guest of this event congratulated the Khan Sisters for giving life to such a mesmerizing evening and she says "The most important thing is perseverance and this is achieved by today's exhibition. This type of platform is required to keep creativity high and bring everyone together on one platform. There is no doubt that art is the best method through which this can be done." The management of Novotel World Trade Center has always expressed their acceptance in hosting such gatherings as a form of respect towards the art fraternity. The General Manager of Novotel World Trade Center, Mr. Anoop said "As part of the hospitality sector, we give the utmost importance for promoting art and culture and so, we are glad to host such a beautifully themed exhibition as we know art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values, and translating experiences across space and time and it will be an honor for us to host more of such quality events."

A group of incredibly talented artists participated in this event that was all about embracing the little things that bind us to each other while accepting and appreciating every aspect of what makes us unique. Adila Baig, Afshan Quraishi, Akbar Saheb, Amal Mirajkar, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anum Sultana, Anupa Bhambhaney, Aparna Sreejith, Bilal Siddiqui, Farah Khan, Farhat Gul, Humairah Hussain, Ishrat Ara Keyani, Khan Ayaan Abdulla, Madiha Khan, Mankush Srivastava, Masooma Rizvi, Mohd. Huzaifa Khan, Mubashra Madni, Mujeeb Kehar, Nupur Jha, Pari Sagar, Ria Sharma, Rubab Zahra, Sabah Anees, Sadia Fahad, Sahar Shahid, Sana Bano, Sapna Jain, Sheikh Saifi, Shiba Khan, Sindhuja Galipalli, Somya Rastogi, Soobika Fawad, Susmitha Dhruva and Yasmin Naeem were the fabulous ambassadors of their respective nations who came forward to exhibit their amazing artworks.

IlTelevisionario2 is proud to be part of this event and I, Saju Nair along with the founder of TV2, Ms. Alessandra Giorda congratulate all participating artists and the founders of Funun Arts for celebrating the essence of togetherness and congratulates India and Pakistan for their 75th Independence Day.

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