Kathmandu/ The Mother Foundation celebrated the International Day of Islamic Art in Kathmandu from Nov 18 to 20. The event featured an international exhibition of Islamic art and architecture at the Nepal Fine Arts Institute, supported by the Malaysian Embassy.
Tabassum Siddiqui, President of The Mother Foundation, stated that the event aimed to highlight the global significance of Islamic art and architecture and explore its contributions to the Hindu community. Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, the chief guest on November 18,emphasized the role of Islamic art in preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Dr. Saladin Akhtar Siddiqui, founder of The Mother Foundation and a former judge, noted that the organization, established in 2016, strives to promote Islamic art and architecture worldwide. During the event, Narad Mani Hartmchali, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), acknowledged the contributions of Islamic art to Nepal’s cultural sector.
The exhibition showcased Islamic calligraphy, paintings, and photographs from countries including India, Tur-key, Russia, Morocco, and Malaysia. On Nov 19, Vice-president RamSahay Prasad Yadav inaugurated the conference. Speakers included Michael Croft, Head of UNESCO Nepal; Mohammad Firdosh Azam, Charge d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy; and Prof Dr Mahmud Erol Kilik, Director General of IRCICA. Dr Kilik expressed hope that art could foster the peace and tolerance the world seeks. He thanked the organizers for hosting such a significant event.
Michael Croft highlighted the value of Islamic art as a shared cultural heritage and a bridge to the future, while presentations by scholars like Dinesh Raj Pant and former NAST Vice-chancellor Jivraj Pokharel added depth to the discussions. The exhibition concluded on Nov 20 with a closing ceremony where NAFA Chancellor Hartmchali reiterated the importance of Islamic art in Nepal’s cultural landscape. Certificates of appreciation
were awarded to supporting organizations, including the Federation of National Christians Nepal,
The Department of Islam Development Malaysia, the Malaysian Ladies Association in Nepal, and the Nepal Photography Institute Kathmandu.
Federation of National Christians Nepal, known as the head Organisation leading the Christians from all over the nation had involved the program held on Nov 18 to 20 in our own motherland Nepal and not only involving, played an important role before, during and even after the program was ended.
At every step, Mr. Uddhab Prasad Chimoriya, Executive President of Federation of National Christians Nepal, including his team, their work, dedication and hard work in the program deserve high praise and respect with huge appreciation
Being presented as one of the prestigious members, each and everyone engaged within the program had equally contributed their whole. It wasn’t minor, but was praiseworthy..
In future too, we hope the organisation would give their time and fulfill every responsibility given or handed over. We heartly thank each and everyone for spending precious time over the program .
In a message, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey expressed the Government of Nepal’s hope that the event would foster mutual harmony, respect and understanding among Nepal’s diverse communities.
