Manideepam second edition released

Doha :

Second edition of short stories, poems written by late child prodigy released DOHA: A collection of short stories and poems, written by the late child prodigy Absar Manjiyil, was released at a function organised by the ICRC Arts Wing on Thursday. Ideal Indian School Headmaster Professor Abdul Ali gave the first copy of the anthology Manideepam to C P Ravindran, production editor of Gulf Times. Absar, 13, son of Azeez Manjiyil, a Doha resident, drowned in Kumbilly canal in Trichur while playing with friends on June 26 2003. He was a student of Ideal Indian School till the third standard and had moved to his native place to continue studies, with his mother and younger brother, where the accident occurred. During his short span of life he wrote a few short stories, poems and some essays, which can be rated as good, say critics. Abdul Ali gave examples of famous English poets Keats and Shelly, and Emperor Alexander to illustrate that many great people have had a short lifespan in this world. He said more in-depth studies on the boy's poems should be carried out. C P Ravindran said the writings of the child prodigy reminded him of his early days. Children's musings and thoughts are very different from those of adults. Absar's poems shed light on the intricacies of life and death, he said, adding that his revolutionary ideas were promising. His vision of a broad world, where people in the North take care of those in the South, is sound advice for our leaders and politicians, Ravindran said. The ICRC Arts Wing will conduct a yearly competition in short stories, poems and essays in memory of Absar, declared S A M Bashir, in his presidential address. Kollam K Rajesh and Absar's younger brother, Ansar, recited poems written by Absar. M T Nilamboor, Abdul Aziz Nallaveettil, Khalid Arackel, and Mohan Ayroor also spoke on the occasion. Anie Samuel introduced the guests. Iqbal Chettuva delivered a vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Hasanul Benna. There was also an exhibition of Absar's original scripts along with photographs depicting some memorable moments in his life.