Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
In a joyous celebration of Pakistan's Independence Day, the Women of Wisdom (WOW), a vibrant social media group, has organised the "WOW Azadi Mela" at the Pakistan Social Center Sharjah.
The event, tailored exclusively for women and children, saw an array of engaging activities and contests that highlighted the spirit of freedom and unity.
The founding members, Farzana Mansoor and Sarwat Zehra, along with members Sadia Tariq and Zubaida Khanum, orchestrated a captivating lineup of events that brought out the patriotic fervor in attendees. Sadia and Zubaidah, who played the crucial role of stage secretaries, ensured the seamless flow of the event, adding an extra layer of professionalism to the proceedings.
A special segment featured online videos submitted by kids, showcasing their love and admiration for Pakistan. The judging panel, consisting of Amad Ul Hassan and Zille Huma, had the arduous task of selecting the top entries.
Young Fajar Adil secured the first position, followed by Abiha in second place, Safa Qaiser in third, and Anaya Adeel clinching the fourth position while all the participants of this video contests were awarded with appreciation certificates .
Among the many attractions, a flag painting competition added a burst of colours to the festivities. Under the keen eyes of Judges Muhammad Saleem and Arshia Komal, Iman Ali Mansoor claimed the first position, with Fiza Zafar securing second place and Abeeha Shahzadi taking third.
The event took an educational turn with an intriguing map competition, challenging participants to correctly place city names within their respective provinces on a map of Pakistan. A random quiz session tested the knowledge of both ladies and children about intriguing facts related to Pakistan, as showcased through a captivating presentation.
The celebration of diversity and culture took center stage with a cultural dress competition. Ladies bedecked themselves in traditional attire representing various regions of Pakistan, from KPK, Sindh, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Punjab, to Balochistan.
The winners were applauded for their representation of cultural heritage. "WOW Azadi Mela" featured food stalls offering an array of delectable Pakistani cuisines. Attendees reveled in the flavors of Pakistan, further enhancing the immersive cultural experience.
Khalid Hussain Chauhdary, President of Pakistan Social Center Sharjah, and Iftikhar Chauhdary, General Secretary of PSCS, lauded the organisers for curating an informative and entertaining event. They urged parents to impart knowledge about Pakistan's history and significance to their children and emphasised the importance of participating in such events to foster awareness and unity.
Farzana Mansoor expressed gratitude towards all the attendees and extended heartfelt congratulations to the young participants who exhibited their talents in the contests. She also acknowledged parents for their unwavering dedication to nurturing their children's abilities.
The "WOW Azadi Mela" truly captured the essence of Pakistan's Independence Day, fostering a sense of national pride, camaraderie, and cultural appreciation. It was a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in promoting understanding and celebration of a nation's heritage.