“In India we celebrate the commonality of major differences; we are a land of belonging rather than of blood.” A very well explanatory quote by Mr. Shashi Tharur.

To celebrate the 76th Independence Day of the great nation; India this year, Funun Arts along with Peppermill Restaurant, Dubai Festival city mall started the day inviting a colorful morning by organizing the event titled HUM HINDUSTANI. All Indians throughout the world are immersed in the celebration of the anniversary of independence.

On this Independence Day, Funun Arts focused on things that unite everyone, as Unity is strength and together, we are stronger. Art has no boundaries, and this can be experienced in the vibrant morning in the beautiful ambience of peppermill restaurant, where artists not only from India but from different nationalities gathered to paint. The challenge was using only the colors of Indian flag and the magic created by the talented artists was remarkable.

All the artists were dressed in white T-shirts with the slogan “Hum Hindustani” in tri colors with a man holding the Indian Flag. The whole place was tuned up with Indian patriotic songs which was another boosting element for everyone. It was like a bouquet of beautiful flowers with a soothing fragrance.

The event initiated by the inspirational words of Shiba Khan, Founder of Funun Arts in the presence of Guest of honor Mohammed Al Banna, Group CEO and Founder of Lead Ventures, Special Guest Mr. Ahmad Al Awadhi, Legendary Emirati artist and businessperson, Mr. Anurag. Manager of Peppermill, Mr. Raju, Operation manager, Ms. Sandi Saxena, Influential Personality and many other.

Mohammed Al Banna was extremely glad to be the part of this celebration. He said “I can experience India through these masterpieces. The colors really make me feel so positive and happy. Love the whole event full of culture and richness”. Adding to this he said that this was a wonderful initiative done by Funun Arts and I congratulate them for this. We should keep on doing this very often.”

Mr. Ahmad Al Awadhi said: India is known as the land of culture and tradition. Indian culture is rich and unique in its own ways. In India manners and etiquettes, the style of communication, values and beliefs are vital components of the culture. We can experience all of this in today’s event.

Mrs. Sandi, known as Queen Sandi, said: The diversity and vibrancy of our democracy is appreciated worldwide. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation. We are the people from colorful country and so we can be seen here with all these beautiful artists and paintings they have done.

Shiba Khan, artist and founder of Funun Arts was full of emotions while talking about the event. She said: “We are here to celebrate freedom, we should take the freedom as the opportunity to do what is right, freedom brings responsibility as a citizen, as a person to create the better world. Today we are here together along with the artists from different countries because we believe in togetherness. Art is the only thing which is beyond any differences and tie up to one knot. Growth should be inclusive, and opportunities should be distributed to all regardless of one’s ethnic, religious, or social identity. India is our nation and UAE is our second home. We are thankful to UAE visionary leaders who have created an equal opportunity for every nation and created the place where we all live with love, peace, and harmony. Giving cultural visa is a golden feather for the creative people. “

Farah Khan, Co-founder of Funun Arts said: India is the land of legends, and the cradle of traditions. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only. Today we are happy to present the artists not only from India but from many different nationalities. This makes us feel proud to see these artists depicting the colors of India. I would like to appreciate the dedication of the 14 years boy, Mohammad Huzaifa khan who volunteered in the event. He captured all the moments of the day in his camera presenting it in a more beautiful way.

There were twenty participating artists in this event. Sabah Anees, Anjani Prakash Laitu, Mukta Choubisa, Saima Hasan, Meena Jadhav, Paulomi Rana, Pari Sagar, Ritu Chaturvedi, Shiba Khan, Farah Khan from India.

Other than this there were: Shehab Shoukry, Egypt, Rafa Tom, Lebanon/ Canada, Rafah Abdulrazzak, Syria, Subair Absan, Sri Lanka, Canon Nilsson, Turkey.

Shehab Shoukary told us about what he painted during this event using tri colors of Indian Flag: Art forms of India are incredible and the beauty of it can be experienced in the entire world. India is known for its colors, vibrancy, rich culture and heritage.

Rafa Tom, Lebanese Canadian artist said: India is the land of mountains, rivers, nature, so I depicted the same in my painting. As I see India to be the vast nation full of natural beauty.

Rafah Abdulrazzak, Syrian artist said: The diversity and vibrancy of India is appreciated worldwide. It is this spirit of unity and of being togetherness which we are celebrating today with colors and art.

Indian artists said: Culture plays a significant role in the development of any nation. It represents a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices. Culture and creativity manifest themselves in all economic, social, and other activities. A country as diverse as India is symbolized by the plurality of its culture. India has one of the world’s largest collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings, and writings. We are here to celebrate our diversity.