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Abu Dhabi’s RAI to Showcase Kerala Artists

Shafina Yusuf Ali, Executive Director of RAI, underscored the organization’s commitment to showcasing Kerala artists globally…reports Asian Lite News

In a significant move to foster cultural exchange and promote artists, the Risk Art Initiative (RAI) based in Abu Dhabi has joined forces with Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Meena Wari, Chief Curator and Creative Director of RAI, and N Balamurali, Secretary of Lalitha Kala Academy. The ceremony took place in the presence of Shafina Yousaf Ali, Founder and Executive Director of RAI, Abu Dhabi, and Murali Cheeroth, Chairman of Lalitha Kala Academy.

Risk Art Initiative (RAl) in Abu Dhabi and Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy sign MoU with Abu Dhabi – Kerala Cultural Exchange. The MoU was signed by Meena Wari, Chief Curator and Creative Director of Risk Art Initiative, and N Balamuraliam, Secretary of Lalitha Kala Academy in the presence of Shafina Yousaf Ali, Founder and Executive Director of Risk Art Initiative, Abu Dhabi, and Murali Cheeroth, Chairman of Lalitha Kala Academy.

The collaboration aims to exhibit and market artworks by artists associated with Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy in Abu Dhabi, with reciprocal exhibitions featuring Abu Dhabi’s artworks in Kerala. Shafina Yousaf Ali and Murali Cheeroth expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the cultural and artistic similarities between Kerala and Arab countries.

Shafina Yusuf Ali, Executive Director of RAI, underscored the organization’s commitment to showcasing Kerala artists globally. The partnership was initiated with the support of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, acknowledging the artistic and cultural resonance between the two regions.

Shafeena Yousaf Ali shared her inspiration for the initiative, citing her experience studying in London and recognizing the absence of world-class artists from India and West Asia. This realization led her to establish RAI, securing collaborations and government support for the upliftment of artists in Kerala and West Asia.

Shafeena Yusuf Ali, founder and executive director of Risk Art Initiative, launches the Abu Dhabi-Kerala Cultural Exchange by releasing a painting by renowned artist Attingal Ramachandran. Lalitha Kala Academy Chairman Murali Cheeroth, Secretary N Balamurali, Risk Art Initiative Chief Curator and Creative Director Meena Wari etc.

As a concrete step towards collaboration, RAI took over 40 artworks from the Lalitha Kala Academy, previously kept for years, and displayed them in Kochi. Plans are underway to exhibit the works of around 10 Kerala artists in Abu Dhabi this year. Additionally, four artists from West Asia will undergo a four-month training program at RAI headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, known for its progressive initiatives, expressed its commitment to long-term projects with RAI across various art forms. Chairman Murali Cheeroth highlighted the Academy’s recent collaborations, including exhibitions with the Japan Foundation and the Calcutta Center for Creativity.

In a momentous event on January 8, 2024, RAI and the Academy unveiled a series of collaborative projects encompassing all aspects of art. Notably, Shafeena Yousaf Ali inaugurated the Abu Dhabi-Kerala initiative by showcasing the works of acclaimed artist Attingal Ramachandran. RAI also presented fellowships of Rs.2 lakhs each to Kerala artists Mibin Bhaskar and Mohammad Yasir, emphasizing their commitment to supporting and promoting local talent.

Shafeena Yousaf Ali, a business leader based in Abu Dhabi, holds an MBA from Oxford University and a Master of Arts degree from Cambridge University. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in artistry, her vision for cultural exchange and artist empowerment is poised to make a lasting impact on the global art scene.

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Modi to Attend Inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

During the meeting, the discussions revolved around Abu Dhabi temple’s significance for global harmony and Modi’s vision for India’s spiritual leadership on the global stage…Reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation extended by Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors for the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14 next year, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said in a press statement.

PM Modi and the BAPS Swami Ishwarcharandas met on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s residential office and PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple.

Swami Ishwarcharandas honoured the Prime Minister by adorning him with a garland and draping a saffron shawl over his shoulders, acknowledging his significant contributions to our nation and the world. The Prime Minister was specially commended for the remarkable renovation and development of pilgrimage sites across India, a feat unparalleled in recent centuries, said the press statement.

During the meeting, the discussions revolved around Abu Dhabi temple’s significance for global harmony and Modi’s vision for India’s spiritual leadership on the global stage.

The release read, “The BAPS delegation prayed for the Prime Minister’s health and acknowledged his exceptional global achievements, notably strengthening relationships with the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. They also discussed the pride and inspiration Modi’s leadership has instilled in Indians worldwide.”

Recalling his personal and immortal memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his glorious centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister expressed prayers for Mahant Swami Maharaj’s health.

PM also appreciated the efforts of key individuals, volunteers and supporters, involved in the BAPS Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi, including those present before him such as Chairman Ashok Kotecha, Vice Chairman Yogesh Mehta and Director Chirag Patel, recognizing their contributions as significant sources of pride for India.

In a light-hearted exchange, the Prime Minister asked Chirag Patel about his love for tennis and his father Rohitbhai Patel and grandfather P D Patel; and also encouraged his children to continue working hard and achieve success in the sport.

As per the press statement, Swami Brahmaviharidas showcased the latest update of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its intricate carvings and all-inclusive grandeur, saying that “the inauguration ceremony will be a great event, a millennial moment of celebration for time to come.”

To which PM Modi added, “It will reflect the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – an ideal spiritual space, not merely rooted in beliefs and traditions, but a confluence of diverse cultures and civilizations. The essence of spiritual harmony, symbolizing the path forward.” (ANI)

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