An Egyptian student has won a trip to India after mesmerising the Indian diplomats here with his simplistic but thought-provoking painting depicting Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace in context of the Egyptian revolution.
The Indian embassy in Cairo was quick to spot the rising fame and popularity of Gandhi among young Egyptians during and after the Egyptian revolution that overthrew Hosini Mubarak's long-time rule.
Seizing the opportunity, the embassy had announced a competition for children: 'Did you sense the spirit of Gandhi in Tahrir Square?'.
The competition was for children both in Egypt and India. The competition attracted many, including over 150 here, with most likening the Indian icon with the iconic Tahrir Square, the hub of protesters.
From Egypt Ahmed Aba Ya Zeed, a university student, won a trip to India. The prizes were distributed at the Artistic Creativity Centre on Sunday.
Ahmed Aba Ya Zeed, the winner of the special grand prize, said he is excited about his trip to India, said a press release.
His painting wast that of Gandhi's spectacles with a shadow of the peace symbol underneath it.
Egyptian actor Khaled El Nabawi, artist Mohamed Abla and Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri were among those who were present at the function.
Suri praised the initiative taken by artist Mohamed Abla for hosting the winner of the grand prize from India for one week at Fayoum Arts Centre.
"The winner of the grand prize from Egypt will meet the winner of the grand prize from India and he will spend a week at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. He will also visit Gandhi Ashram in Ahmadabad," Suri said.
The entrees mesmerised the organisers who realised the depth of Gandhi's effect on the Egyptian youth. The hundreds of entries also included some from African countries.
