Massive response to Indian painting competition across Egypt

A painting competition envisioned as a "bridge" to connect India with Egyptian youths has attracted an unprecedented turnout of schoolchildren in several parts of Egypt as the event took place on a larger canvas this year.
Glimpses of India, an annual painting competition that commemorates the birthdays of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was organised last month at six venues across Egypt, including the Cairo/Giza governorate.
The events attracted an unprecedented turnout by Egyptian schoolchildren, according to a statement by the Indian embassy here.
In Cairo, the competition was held at India House - the residence of the Indian Ambassador in Egypt, and several other places.

Organised by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India, Cairo, in cooperation with Ministry of Education, the 22nd edition of the event saw participation of more than 10,100 Egyptian students from 1092 schools.
"The Glimpses of India painting competition is a bridge that connects us to the youth of Egypt and their affection and love for India. We believe the youth, who are the future of the country, will build stronger bonds," Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Ambassador of India, said.

"We are committed to nurture exchanges between the youth of our two countries to further deepen our relations."

The winners, including those children with special needs, will be awarded at a ceremony on November 17.
Singer Shibani Kashyap will perform at the award function, where celebrated Egyptian actress Dalia El Behery will be the chief guests. Behery's first major appearance was in a video clip of the song "Tegeesh neaeesh", by Ali El Haggar.
A catalogue featuring the prize-winning paintings of the children will also be released at the ceremony.