Bangalore: Renowned calligraphers amaze visitors at multilingual calligraphy exhibition, seminar
Calligraphers displayed their artwork in real time, presented souvenirs to visitors
Bangalore: Hundreds of calligraphy lovers and art enthusiasts thronged to the Falcon’s Den at the Prestige Falcon Towers here in the city on Saturday on the second day of the three-day multilingual calligraphy exhibition and seminar organized by the Institute of Indo Islamic Art and Culture (IIIAC).
Several renowned calligraphers from across the world who have come to the city to attend the event interacted with the visitors and amazed them with their fine artworks in real time.
The calligraphers penned the names and initials of the visitors as a token of appreciation for their attendance at the event to appreciate the art.
Japanese calligrapher, Yukotakaji was the guest at the workshop on Saturday.
Sarina Ghazaei (Iran), Ali Hasan Al Jad (Bahrain), Mohammed (Delhi), Mohsen Ghareeb (Bahrain), M Efdaluddin Kilic (Turkey), Narjes Noureddin (UAE), Tagalsir Hasan (Sudan), Ibrahim Abdullah Hussein Al-Zayer (Saudi Arabia) Farid Abdul Rahim Al Ali (Kuwait), Sara Abidi (UAE) were among the calligraphers present on the second day of the event along with other Indian artists whose work is also on display at the exhibition.
During the panel discussion that was held in the afternoon session, Efdaluddin Kilic and Mohsen Ghareeb interacted with the audience and shared their knowledge and experience on calligraphy. Efdaluddin Kilic also briefed an introduction and history of calligraphy.
“You need to be patient and dedicated if you ever want to try your hand at calligraphy. Nobody can become a good calligrapher without having dedication and passion towards it.” Efdaluddin said in his address.
He also opined that the calligraphers were respected earlier and their artwork was valued which has now changed. Speaking about copying the style of calligraphers, Efdaluddin said it was not easy to follow someone's style or work as every artist has his/her own way of creating their respective artwork.
He also demonstrated his art in real-time with arrangements being made to show his work on the screen in real-time for the visitors. He concluded his address with encouraging words for the young calligraphers adding that they should not give up and that only practice would help them to perfection.
The last day of the three-day event will be held on Sunday, March 12, at the Falcon's Den of Prestige Falcon Towers at the Brunton Road here in the city. The entry to exhibition and workshop for visitors is free of cost.
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Nicobar Tribal Council Alleges FRA Violations in Great Nicobar Wildlife Sanctuaries
Sri Vijaypuram (Port Blair): The Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar has alleged fresh violations of the Forest Rights Act in the notification of three wildlife sanctuaries linked to the Centre’s ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project, even as the Calcutta High Court is set to hear petitions challenging the mega project over similar concerns next month.
The Union government had, in October 2022, notified three wildlife sanctuaries in parts of Little Nicobar Island, Menchal Island and Meroe Island for the conservation of leatherback turtles, megapodes and coral ecosystems. The move came after the government acknowledged that the proposed infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island would affect coral colonies and nesting habitats of endangered species.
However, the tribal council has maintained that the sanctuaries were declared without consultation with the Nicobarese communities who traditionally inhabit and manage these islands.
In a letter dated April 23 addressed to the Assistant Conservator of Forests of the Nicobar Forest Division, the council reiterated its opposition to the sanctuaries and objected to the formation of a committee to determine eco-sensitive zones around the protected areas.
The council said its chairman had not been consulted before being included in the committee and was informed of his membership only a month after the committee was constituted.
The three notified sanctuaries include the Leatherback Turtle Sanctuary in parts of Little Nicobar Island, the Megapode Sanctuary covering the entire Menchal Island and the Coral Sanctuary spanning the whole of Meroe Island.
According to the council, Menchal and Meroe islands hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Nicobarese community, which believes the islands are inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors.
The council demanded that the sanctuary notifications be revoked and the eco-sensitive zone committee dissolved, alleging that both decisions were taken against the wishes of the indigenous community.
Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh has written to Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act in the process of obtaining consent for diversion of forest land for the Great Nicobar project.
Ramesh argued that consent should have been obtained through the Tribal Council representing the Nicobarese communities instead of through Gram Sabhas representing settler families. He also questioned how the government-controlled Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti could provide consent on behalf of the Shompen community, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
He urged the Tribal Affairs Ministry to intervene and seek withdrawal of clearances granted for the project under the Forest Rights Act.
Earlier, Ramesh had also written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav alleging that environmental impact studies for the project were conducted in haste and without the detailed seasonal assessments mandated under environmental laws.
The dispute dates back to 2022 when the Andaman and Nicobar administration initiated the process for notifying the three sanctuaries before holding Special Gram Sabhas for diversion of forest land linked to the Great Nicobar project.
In May that year, the administration invited objections and claims regarding the proposed sanctuaries. Subsequently, on July 19, the Nicobar Deputy Commissioner certified that no objections or claims had been received.
The tribal council later wrote to the district administration stating that the notification process was carried out without ensuring that residents of Little Nicobar Island were informed as required by law. It alleged that no public announcements seeking objections were made in villages such as Bahua, Muhincoihn and Kiyang, whose residents traditionally use and manage parts of the notified areas.
The council said the Nicobarese community had protected the islands and wildlife for generations through customary practices and traditional belief systems.
It further argued that the sanctuaries would interfere with long-standing rights over forests and coastal areas. They noted that these areas are used for rituals, plantations, collection of forest produce, construction of huts and canoes, harvesting medicinal plants and worship.
In November 2024, the council objected to draft Island Coastal Regulation Zone plans, demanding basic infrastructure, instead of proposed eco-tourism activities in the sanctuaries. The council demanded better public restrooms, jetties, water facilities, pathways, and mobile connectivity.
The Nicobar administration issued a clarification in May 2025, stating that the sanctuaries would not affect hunting rights available to Scheduled Tribes in the Nicobar Islands. The council, however, rejected the clarification, stating that their dependence on forests and coasts extended far beyond hunting activities.
Earlier this month, a Bench led by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court dismissed preliminary objections raised by the Union government against petitions challenging the diversion of forest land for the Great Nicobar project. The matter has now been listed for final hearing in June.
