The Indian Muslim Association as part of its 25 years celebration added another feather in its cap by conducting IMA Children Fest 2018. It was conducted in Indian Community School, Amman Branch, Kuwait which was abuzz with the much awaited competitions, held on the 26th of October, 2018. The Children Fest, provided a mammoth platform to the young children aged between 3 years to 15 years to exhibit their talents and build up confidence. The objective of the fest was to beset a wide range of art and Islamic genres including drawing, role play, group act, qirat, azaan, nasheed and general knowledge quiz. Two pre-event competitions were also run; photography reflecting Kuwait heritage while topic for essay writing was Prophet Muhammad (SA) - a messenger of peace. The event coordinator explained that these competitions largely curate artistic talents of the students and bring them closer to their culture. The first edition of Children Fest got off to a colourful start with 32 items comprising nine categories based on age.
The competitions commenced at 1:30 pm in all categories with around 500 participants who took part on an average in 3 competitions at least. Cultural Extravaganza was a treat to the eyes. The competitions set the ball rolling for the unwinding of On-stage competition of group act while other competitions were held in different classrooms. The school campus witnessed the spectrum of drama, role play and nasheed. The vibrant children displayed their talents and enjoyed participation more than winning. The off-stage items were organized well for various items including drawing, qirat, azaan to name a few. The participating children exhibited their artistic and creative flair to their best. The artistic, literary and creative skills of the participants enthralled the audience and gave a tough choice for the judges to choose the best ones. One day’s cultural extravaganza gave prospects to the budding participants to display their innate talents. There was a soul to the event. A soul that was vibrant, contagious and exuberant.
The Children Fest had a flavor of carnival which kept the visitors engrossed throughout the day with a wide variety of activities like games and competitions, on-the-spot questions, talent shows etc. The ICSK Amman campus was transformed into a fascinating land that charmed all the age-groups. The excitement continued throughout the day as the children as well as parents had varied experience. The on-the-spot questions was the highlight of the evening with more than 100 gifts given away to the excited children and their parents. Mickey Mouse dressed Disney character between the children added excitement and was loved by the toddlers. Apart from the merriment that was visible among the audience in the courtyard, high-spirited crowds thronged the stalls that offered a variety of food items and snacks.
The fun filled exciting day culminated with the finale round of quiz with three teams that competed with intensity to be the winner. Audience loved it and cheered the finalists. All children with anticipation waited for the valedictory ceremony where winners were announced and prizes were given. The prize distribution session started with recitation of Quran by Master Abdul Rahman. Mr. Khaled Al Saba, Manager Dawah Section IPC graced the occasion. Mr. Saba in his short talk highlighted that every child who participated is a winner of his challenges and congratulated the winners with his encouraging words. Other guests included, Mr. Mohammed Ali, Coordinator Ministry of Awqaf, Mr. Mohammed Jamal, Community Section Awqaf, Mr. Deep, Community Section Awqaf who marked their presence to bless and congratulate the participants and winners.
IMA’s core team including Vice president Mr. Shamvil Parvez graced the ceremony. He congratulated the participants and winners and thanked the guests for accepting IMA’s invitation for the event. Mr. Parvez requested parents to encourage their children to participate in such events so that the children have holistic growth. He reiterated that Children Fest 2018 was a part of momentous campaign that started in September comprising of various social, cultural, educational & religious events, and will culminate with a Grand Convention on the 30th of November.
The much awaited Prize distribution with more than 140 prizes and certificates were given by the guests. Winners were thrilled when their names were announced. The well-coordinated programme with the efforts of whole IMA team led by the event coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Ali, in charge IMA Children Circle proved to be a grand success.
Mr. Ahmed Ali concluded by informing that IMA shall conduct the event IMA Children Fest every year (God willing) for the benefit of community and aspiring talented children.