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By Mir Mohsin Ali
RIYADH — Riyadh Indian Association (RIA) celebrated its 17th anniversary by organizing an interschool drawing and painting competition in Riyadh titled “RIA Faber Castell Impressions 2017”. More than 700 students from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Philippine schools here participated in the competition and made it a huge success.
First, second and third prizes were given to the students under each of senior, junior and sub junior categories. Yara International School bagged three awards while Al Yasmin International School and International Indian School Riyadh got two awards each. Al-Alia International School and Bangladesh International School received one award each. Paintings drawn by the children on the theme announced on the spot were attractive and impressive.
RIA and Faber Castell Impression 2017 was inaugurated by first secretary at the Indian Embassy Venkateshwaran Narayanan. In his speech he praised RIA and Faber Castell for this joint effort. He said this is humanitarian work carried out with the Indian community and lauded the organization of such grand drawing and painting competition. He said, “It’s good to see that talent and skills of children are honed and that’s commendable.”
The colorful competition was held at NOFA convention center at the outskirts of the city and presided over by the newly elected president, Balachandran Nair. Outgoing secretary George Jacob gave the welcome address.
Brand Manager of Faber Castell Mohammed Iqbal said that RIA made this event more colorful and efforts of women volunteers made the event’s smooth running possible and make the event successful. He appreciated the efforts and arrangements for the event.
During the function he said, “Next year they are planning to invite all the Arabic schools to take part in this competition.”
Iqbal said, “Faber Castell always encourages students in their artistic activity and have plans to offer an opportunity to select students to visit Faber Castell Germany.”
Ashraf Vadakevila, NRK Forum, Firoz, Coca Cola, Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali, president AIUS and Mir Mohsin Ali also spoke on this occasion.
Outgoing President Sheikh Abdullah also spoke on the occasion and introduced the new office bearers of 2017-2018.
The new office bearers of RIA are President Balachandran Nair, Vice Presidents — Mahaboob and Shekar, Secretary Denny Emmatty, Treasurer Binu Dharmarajan, Jt. Secretaries — Rajesh C Francis and Vivek, Humanitarian Convener Shajahan, Art & Culture Convener Shiju Wahid and Media Convener Sherin Joseph.
Later in evening during cultural program the results were announced. In the Sub-Junior category the winners were First Prize – Diya Prasanth (Al-Yasmin International School), Second Prize – Mohammed Shoaib (Yara International School) and Third Prize – Zeinab Islam (Bangladesh International School).
The Junior Category winners were First Prize – Rohit Prasanth (Al-Yasmin International School), Second Prize – Devika Sunil Kumar (Indian International School, IISR) and Third Prize – Rishikesh Vijay (Al-Alia International School).
The winners of Senior category were First Prize – Aswin Siva Prasad (Yara International School), Second Prize – Adithyan Sunil Kumar (Indian International School, IISR) and Third Prize – Ameesh Mohammed PV (Yara International School).
In addition to the winners, 10 consolation prizes were given to seniors and sub junior and junior students. All participants received gift from Faber Castell.
Drawing & Coloring organizing committee conveners Binu Dharmarajan, Magesh, Balachandran Nair and President Sheikh Abdullah congratulated all winners and thanked all participants and volunteers, especially ladies volunteers, who made this event a grand success.
RIA completely avoided any spot registration and it was well organized and supervised by RIA’s lady volunteers, headed by Swapna Magesh, Sarita Mohan and Yasmeen Abdullah, and, assisted by Sherin Joseph, Rajesh Francis, Ummerkutty, Naseer Kumbasserry, Rasheed, Habeeb, Cleetus, Shajahan, Shiju Wahid, Anto, Baburaj, Mahaboob, Essaki, Alias A.V, Vijayan, Sivakumar Balakrishnan, Paily Anthony, Ibrahim Subhan, T.N. Rajendran, Jayachandran, Vasu, Salam, Joseph Arackal, Joice Mathew, Biju Joseph, Lawrence Arrackal, Monichen.
The anniversary cultural fest organized by RIA was led by Jobi John of Asianet IDEA star singer fame. Along with young performers from RIA, dances were choreographed and organized by Nikhil Mohan, singers Sarita Mohan, Malini Iyer, Shajeer and dancers from Brothers institute. The program was anchored by Sajin and Sarita Mohan.
The event was attended by more than 2,000, who came from across Riyadh. The show concluded on a high note, as there was plethora of singing and dancing. The event finally ended with the singing of the national anthem.
