Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, has distinctive characteristics that set it aside from other arts. Bengaluru recently hosted ‘Miraj’, a three-day Multilingual International Calligraphy Exhibition and Seminar that brought together over 50 artists from eight countries, making it a first-of-its-kind event in the city.
The event, which ran from March 10 to March 12, included the display of calligraphy artworks, workshops, and panel discussions. Many calligraphy experts and artists from across the world attended the event and shared their experience and knowledge of the art. The panel discussions included experts from UAE, Sudan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Japan, and other countries.
Muqtar Ahmed, Principal of the Institute of Indo-Islamic Art and Culture (IIIAC), who was also the organiser of the event, stated that the exhibition showcased Indian vernacular language artworks, including Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, among others.
During his presidential address, Syed Mohamed Beary, the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the IIIAC and Chairman of Bearys Group, highlighted the objective behind organising the calligraphy exhibition. The event aimed to revive the local calligraphy art and showcase its spiritual, traditional, and cultural significance.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the event, Syed Beary shared that his interaction with Muqtar Ahmed in 2004 ignited his passion for calligraphy. Impressed by the art’s depth and beauty, he recognised the need to bring it to the mainstream and educate the younger generation about it. Consequently, he collaborated with Ahmed to establish IIIAC 15 years ago.
Syed Beary and Shabeena Sultana, the Tunisia’s consul to India in Bangalore, also called upon artists and enthusiasts to utilise calligraphy as a means of promoting social harmony, diversity, and peace. Particularly in a society where hate and communalism are gaining ground, calligraphy could play a significant role in spreading positivity and inclusivity.
Renowned calligraphers from across the world, including Sarina Ghazaei (Iran), Ali Hasan Al Jad (Bahrain), Mohammed (Delhi), Mohsen Ghareeb (Bahrain), M Efdaluddin Kilic (Turkey), Narjes Noureddin (UAE), Tagalsir Hasan (Sudan), Ibrahim Abdullah Hussein Al-Zayer (Saudi Arabia) Farid Abdul Rahim Al Ali (Kuwait), Sara Abidi (UAE), and other Indian artists whose work is on display at the exhibition, attended the event.
The calligraphers penned the names and initials of the visitors as a token of appreciation for their attendance at the event to appreciate the art. Japanese calligrapher, Yukotakaji, was the guest at the workshop on Saturday. During the panel discussion that was held in the afternoon session, Efdaluddin Kilic and Mohsen Ghareeb interacted with the audience and shared their knowledge and experience on calligraphy.
Efdaluddin Kilic also briefed an introduction and history of calligraphy. “You need to be patient and dedicated if you ever want to try your hand at calligraphy. Nobody can become a good calligrapher without having dedication and passion towards it,” Efdaluddin said in his address. He also opined that the calligraphers were respected earlier and their artwork was valued, which has now changed. Speaking about copying the style of calligraphers, Efdaluddin said it was not easy to follow someone’s style or work as every artist has his/her own way of creating their respective artwork.
The last day of the three-day event was held on Sunday, March 12. The event took place at Prestige Falcon Towers on Brunton Road, and the exhibition was open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Many calligraphy enthusiasts and art lovers thronged to the exhibition and interacted with the calligraphers.
The event was sponsored by Bearys Group and organised by the Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture (IIIAC). It aimed to create an interest in calligraphy and promote this beautiful art form among the people of Bengaluru. The success of ‘Miraj’ indicates the growing popularity of calligraphy in India, and it is hoped that such events will continue to inspire and encourage calligraphers across the country.
