Hyderabad: Under the amber glow of the afternoon sun at the historic Eidgah Hazrat Ujale Shah ground in Saidabad, the air didn’t hum with the usual buzz of traffic. Instead, it was thick with the rhythmic chanting of a march-past, the collective gasp of a captivated audience, and the unfiltered laughter of children who, for a few hours, had forgotten the existence of the digital world.
In an era where childhood is increasingly mediated by glass screens and algorithmic feeds, the Children’s Islamic Organisation (CIO) – Malakpet curated a vibrant intervention: a ‘Children’s Festival’ that aimed to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern play.
The centrepiece of the festival was the thoughtfully curated gallery titled “YaBunayya” (O My Son!). Here, the profound, timeless advice of Hazrat Luqman, the legendary sage of Islamic tradition, was brought to life not through dusty textbooks, but through the imaginative eyes of children. From models depicting the virtue of humility to the importance of respecting one’s parents, the gallery served as a silent teacher, reminding visitors that character-building begins with a single, creative spark.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the CIO flag, Dr. Mubashir Ahmed, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Greater Hyderabad, struck a chord with the parents in attendance. “We live in an age where a child’s curiosity is often trapped within the confines of a screen,” he observed. He emphasised that redirecting this natural curiosity toward ethical growth is the defining challenge for modern guardians.
Echoing this sentiment, Mohammed MujeebulAala, Ameer-e-Maqami of Malakpet, remarked that every child is a unique universe. “When we provide an environment that respects their individuality while grounding them in faith, we aren’t just raising children; we are nurturing the future of the nation,” he said.
The festival was as much about the spirit as it was about the senses. The ‘Fun Zone’ was a kaleidoscope of energy, featuring:
The Arena: Eighteen diverse sports and games that tested agility and fostered sportsmanship.
The Joy-Ride: The rhythmic bounce of trampolines and the swift glide of sliders provided a visceral sense of freedom.
The Palate: A bustling food court offered a sensory celebration, turning the community gathering into a festive feast.
While the children played, the women’s session, led by Khadija Maheveen, State Secretary, JIH Telangana and Faheem Sahiba, delved into the nuances of maternal influence. They discussed the ‘silent curriculum’ – the values children absorb simply by watching their elders. The message was clear: a strong Aqeedah (faith) is the anchor that keeps a child steady in the turbulent seas of modernity.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the successful participants walked away with medals and certificates, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment. The festival, meticulously organised by a dedicated team, including Azam Ali Baig, Syed Manzoor Ahmed, and MohtarmaMaleha, was more than just an event. It was a gentle reminder that when you give children a space to create, a field to run in, and a value system to believe in, the results are nothing short of harmonious.