'Strength of the Hijab' statue set to be unveiled in UK to celebrate women who wear Hijab
Smethwick (UK): A unique and striking sculpture titled 'Strength of the Hijab' is poised to adorn the streets of Smethwick later this year, making a global statement in celebration of women who choose to wear hijabs. This monumental work of art, believed to be the first of its kind worldwide, not only pays tribute to these women but also symbolizes their right to love and respect, regardless of their attire
Designed by artist Luke Perry, the 'Strength of the Hijab' stands an impressive five meters tall, weighing approximately one tonne. It is inscribed with a powerful message: 'It is a woman's right to be loved and respected whatever she chooses to wear,' encapsulating the core message and purpose of the sculpture.
The installation of this extraordinary artwork is scheduled for either October or early November near Brasshouse Lane. The initiative for this project comes from Legacy West Midlands, a registered charity dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of post-war migrant communities in Birmingham.
Luke Perry, the creative mind behind this exceptional creation, shared his insights with the BBC, explaining, "The Strength of the Hijab is a piece which represents women who wear hijabs of the Islamic faith, and it's really there because it's such an underrepresented part of our community, but such an important one." Perry stressed the importance of visibility and inclusivity in our society.
This endeavor follows Perry's previous work, the 'Black British History is British History' sculpture, co-designed with Canaan Brown and installed in Winson Green in May. The previous sculpture faced defacement shortly after its installation. Nevertheless, Perry remains steadfast in his commitment to represent all facets of the UK's diverse community.
While acknowledging that 'Strength of the Hijab' may spark controversy, Perry firmly believes in the importance of unity and representation. Despite potential controversy, the initial response to the sculpture has been overwhelmingly positive, she added.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
