A family of artists is a picture of service

Renowned artist Akbar Saheb has been involved in charitable giving, ever since he learnt to draw. The Dubai based master artist is especially fond of working with Children of Determination. “With my kids Naureen Akbar, Tanveer Akbar and Afsheen Akbar,” he says, “I have been visiting special needs schools to conduct art sessions in a fun way to explore and teach them painting and spark the creative and artistic side of their minds. We are thankful that we can use our skills as a form of charitable service. It has been so wonderful spending time with the lovely children of these schools.”

Akbar Saheb says he would like to share his experiences, especially since it is Ramadan, the Month of Giving. “We would love to share awareness of the way art can be used to give back to the world,” he says. He lauds an initiative that came in 2017, when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that people with disabilities would be no longer be referred to as those with special needs. Instead, they were given the noble title of ‘People of Determination’. The step is very laudable and has given a whole new perspective to disability and handicap, Akbar Saheb says.

Along with creating artworks and teaching art to Children of Determination, he also takes part in charity painting drives and has given his paintings for charity auctions. “Last month,” he says, “I did live painting at Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, during a match. A charity auction was held alongside, with my live painting for auction, for the cause of the Al Amal Polo Day event, dedicated to Children of Determination.” It was Akbar Saheb’s way of raising awareness and build support for Children of Determination and to give back to society through charity.

Among the VIPs who attended the event were Saeed bin Hoofan Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club and Khalid Saeed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. Many Children of Determination schools attended the event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. Major supporters included Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. The match was between Ethara Polo Club and Al Amal Polo Team; Ethara Polo Club won the match.

“It was an entertaining event where we spent a fruitful time with Children of Determination and guests,” says Akbar Saheb. “Al Amal Polo Day carries a profound message of hope and serves as a heartfelt expression of our love and care for children with special needs. We firmly believe that every child deserves a smile, and it is through love and support they find the strength to overcome the challenges they face.” The Healing Power of Art & Artists website notes how artists help charities by contributing their talent, time and compassion for those in need. “We don’t have to create foundations or devote large series of artwork or present workshops to make a difference,” the website says. “There are many other ways we can contribute. For example, artists volunteer in art education programmes, teach art workshops to seniors, and paint murals in community centres. Helping others can be as close as a click away.”

Many artists use social media to help charities. Instead of selfishly promoting themselves and posting their art, they share valuable posts and links about special interest groups. “It says a lot about the artist who uses the platforms of Twitter and Facebook to help others,” the website underlines. Kahlil Gibran said that “you give but little when you give of possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Akbar Saheb and his family happily do this.