Ahmedabad: As with every year, the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Gujarat organized the 6th "Udaan" Children's Festival on Sunday, 7th January 2024 at Narimanpura Farm, Badrabad, Ahmedabad. This vibrant festival was specially designed for students of grades 5 to 8 and included 15 diverse on- and off-stage competitions.
The competitions included:
- Pick and Speak
- Hifz (Qur’an memorization) competition
- Tarana (group song)
- Stand-up comedy
- Drama
- Sack race
- Lemon & spoon race
- 100m sprint
- 3-leg race
- Quiz competition
- Dialogue contest
- Relay race
- Kabaddi
- Handwriting (calligraphy)
- Painting
- Best out of Waste
Around 300 students participated, showcasing their hidden talents and creativity with great enthusiasm.
The festival began with an opening address by Faisal Maniar (Convenor, Udaan Children’s Festival 2024), who encouraged the children with the three guiding principles of Edutainment, Engagement, and Excellence.
At the end of the festival, a prize distribution ceremony was held. Ms. Fehmeda Qureshi, Secretary of GIO Gujarat, introduced the Girls Islamic Organisation and its children’s wing Rising Stars. Mr. Javed Alam Qureshi, President of SIO Gujarat, introduced SIO and emphasized that in today's materialistic and directionless youth culture – where digital distractions lead many astray – SIO is like a refreshing spring of guidance.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Salim Patiwala (President, JIH Gujarat and Patron, SIO Gujarat), inspired the children by urging them not to limit themselves to bookish knowledge alone, but to strive for progress in all areas of life. He stressed the importance of time management, calling time the most precious asset in the world. He concluded by advising the children to do whatever they undertake with excellence and dedication.
The efforts of SIO Gujarat were highly appreciated by school teachers and administrators, who expressed their hope for such inspiring programs to continue in the future.
The festival was smoothly coordinated by Khalid Qureshi and Sohail Tanveer.
Winners List by Category:
Hifz Competition:
- Juveria Ansari
- Narmawala Muhammad
- Palsaniya Saad
Pick and Speak:
- Rajput Iqra M. Khalid
- Fatima Maliha Ehsanullah
- Pathan Ayman
Tarana (Group Song):
- Ansari Afifa Athar
- Maria Mohsin Sheikh
- Ansari Taha M. Ashraf
Stand-Up Comedy:
- Sheikh M. Uwais
Dialogue:
- Wasila Vohra & Sheikh Ubaid
Drama (Group):
- Creative English School
Drama (Best Individual Performance):
- Farooqi M. Umar Nadim Akhtar
Lemon & Spoon Race:
- Pathan Maliha Mohsinkhan
- Sheikh Fatima Noor Muhammad
- Sheikh Mahiya Abulbarakat
100m Race (Boys):
- Sheikh Shaan Muhammad
- Pathan Yahyakhan
- Rena Muhammad Shahid
100m Race (Girls):
- Pathan Arshiya
- Maniyar Mubashshira Anjum
- Rajput Iqra M. Khalid
Sack Race:
- Sarbaaz Vadtalwala
- Mansoori M. Junaid
- Mirza Azeembeg
Best Out of Waste:
- Pathan Ayman
- Rajput Shayaan
- Fatima Maliha
Painting:
- Pathan Zobiyakhan
- Bhatti Hafsa
- Sheikh Abusufiyan
Handwriting (Calligraphy):
- Memon Zainab
- Ansari Farhanaz
- Maniyar Mubashshira Anjum
Kabaddi:
- Creative English School
Relay Race (Boys):
- Creative English School
Relay Race (Girls):
- Gujarat Sarvajanik Welfare Trust
3-Leg Race:
- Ansari Uzma & Siddiqui Ayesha
- Maniyar Ayesha & Sheikh Shafa
Quiz Competition (Team):
- Iffat M. Imran Sheikh
- Awari Shafia Talha
- Sheikh Aamina M. Naeem