50 Years of Graceful Strokes: Calligraphy Centre Celebrates Golden Jubilee

At the Center, students are seen diligently working on their drawing sheets, wielding reed pens with precision to craft graceful strokes of Urdu couplets and Quranic verses. Prof. S.A. Shukoor, secretary of the Idara, and master calligrapher M.A. Gaffar, have been instrumental in reviving and sustaining interest in this traditional art form.

Hyderabad: Digitize and backup. That’s the norm today. But in this age of digital tools and paperless solutions, the timeless appeal of calligraphy and handwriting continues to captivate many. While the world transitions towards electronic documentation and cloud storage, the art of beautiful penmanship remains a cherished skill. Calligraphy, with its intricate strokes and aesthetic charm, is an enduring form of creative expression that resonates deeply with young enthusiasts and seasoned artists alike.

The Calligraphy and Graphic Design Training Center at Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu, Hyderabad, stands as a testament to this enduring art form. Celebrating its golden jubilee this week, the center has completed an impressive 50 years of nurturing talent. Established in 1974, it has trained over 11,000 students, many of whom have mastered cursive writing and the elegant nuances of calligraphy. This milestone was marked the other day with a subdued yet meaningful celebration, highlighting the center’s dedication to preserving and promoting this traditional craft.

The event featured a captivating exhibition of calligraphic panels and graphic designs, showcasing the remarkable skill and creativity of students and instructors alike. These displays not only reflect the historical significance of the art but also its relevance in modern graphic design. With intricate scripts, innovative designs, and harmonious compositions, the exhibition reminded visitors of the immense potential of calligraphy in contemporary visual arts.

As the center celebrates its legacy, it continues to inspire a new generation to explore the beauty of handwriting. In a world where digital fonts dominate, the revival of interest in calligraphy among youngsters signals a deeper appreciation for the tactile, personal, and artistic aspects of the written word. The Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu’s efforts ensure that this cherished art form remains alive, evolving, and relevant in the 21st century.

The Calligraphy and Graphic Design Training Center at Punjagutta, Hyderabad, has become a hub of creativity and tradition, attracting numerous boys and girls eager to learn the art of calligraphy. The two-year diploma certificate course, offered by the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), is thriving, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Idara. Remarkably, the Center has been running this program successfully without any official patronage, a testament to its commitment and resilience.

At the Center, students are seen diligently working on their drawing sheets, wielding reed pens with precision to craft graceful strokes of Urdu couplets and Quranic verses. Prof. S.A. Shukoor, secretary of the Idara, and master calligrapher M.A. Gaffar, have been instrumental in reviving and sustaining interest in this traditional art form.

The exhibition showcasing the students’ exceptional calligraphic works, left visitors in awe. Mir Asghar Hussain, former Director, UNESCO, Amer Ali Khan, MLC, and Laxmi Devi Raj, connoisseur of art and culture, were captivated by the intricate artistry on display. Particularly impressive is the work of Afreen Ghazala, who has been painstakingly writing the holy Quran by hand for the past two years and is nearing completion. Her dedication earned praise from everyone.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amer Ali Khan offered to support the calligraphy center by designing a dedicated app to enhance its training capabilities. He emphasized that the S-hub at the Siasat newspaper office possesses the advanced technological expertise required to develop such a platform, blending tradition with innovation.

Prof. Shukoor used the occasion to highlight the challenges faced by the center, particularly the non-release of grant-in-aid by the State Government. He urged Mr. Amer Ali Khan to assist in securing these funds. He also shared plans to market the calligraphic panels, ensuring the art reaches a wider audience.

The exhibition is open to the public till January 15 between 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m daily. Why not drop in to get a glimpse into the timeless elegance of calligraphy.