Kolkata: In a bid to boost creative skills among children, Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool organized a drawing competition on June 2, 2024.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Abul Kalam, Director of DR APJ Abdul Kalam College, Jharkhand, who served as the chief guest. Kolkata’s renowned social activist, Afrin Gholam, was the guest of honour.
The drawing competition provided young children with a platform to express their imagination and talent through art. Their colourful and innovative artworks showcased themes related to the environment.

The initiative by Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool aimed to create awareness about the nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits among young children. The school’s efforts were appreciated by both parents and teachers, who recognized the importance of such educational events in promoting the well-being of children.
“Over 30 children participated in the drawing competition held at the Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool premises. Based on age, the participants were divided into categories (A and B),” said Maeeshat Academy Director Danish Reyaz and also the founder of the school. He noted that the event concluded with the distribution of prizes to top three winners in each category, along with participation certificates for all the children who took part in this competition.

Danish Reyaz remarked, “We pray to Allah (God) to provide us with a good life both in this world and the hereafter. Through our prayers, we ask Allah to bless us with a good environment so that we may lead prosperous lives. He highlighted, “To achieve happiness, it is essential to cultivate good manners. Ensuring children have a proper learning and playing environment is crucial for their development. The drawing competition not only fostered creativity but also emphasized the importance of preserving a healthy environment.”
Mr. Abul Kalam, Director of DR APJ Abdul Kalam College (Jharkhand) and the chief guest, said, “Childhood is a critical phase in a child’s life, as it is the period when they learn and develop foundational skills. The way a child is raised significantly impacts their future. If the learning environment is healthy and positive, the child is likely to have a bright future.” He lauded Maeeshat Academy Director Danish Reyaz for his effort and initiative, noting that despite residing in Mumbai, Reyaz established this school in Kolkata to provide the children of the city with a conducive and healthy learning environment.
Social activist Afrin Gholam also commended Danish Reyaz, saying, “I have known him for a long time. The type of school he has established in Kolkata is rare in the City of Joy.” She expressedconcern that children today are becoming addicted to mobile phones at a very young age, causing headaches for parents who find that their children use phones more than they do. She suggested that children should be engaged in creative activities to divert their attention from phones. Gholam said, “When you approach children with these ideas, such as drawing competitions or summer camps, they will take an interest in them. I am glad that Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool is diligently working in this regard.”
She further emphasized that Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool plays a crucial role in creating a healthy learning environment specifically tailored for children belonging to the Muslim community. In addition to this important aspect, the preschool also prioritizes the overall mental and physical growth of children, integrating various physical activities into their curriculum.

Nazia Parveen, HOD of Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool, stated, “We ensure that children are drawn to our various fun and physical activities and see Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool as their second home. When they wake up in the morning, their thoughts are centred around coming to Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool. Our enrolled children are so enthusiastic that every morning, their first thought is about attending Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool.”
Ibn E Mariyam Play and Preschool, which began its journey in April this year, conducts physical activities for children twice a month to enhance their interest, focus, and love for studies through fun-based activities suitable for their young age and learning capacity. Additionally, the school emphasizes providing children with foundational Tarbiah education through an effective curriculum that bridges the gap between early modern education and moral and ethical education in accordance with the tenets of Islam.