Centre for creativity feted

Lamakaan receives the 28th Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award. The Lamakaan - Hyderabad's unique centre for creativity that celebrates freedom of expression in all forms. It has evolved as an iconic democratic and progressive cultural venue in the city.

Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary-IT, Industry & Commerce, Government of Telangana presented the memorial award to the founders of Lamakaan on Tuesday at KLN Prasad Auditorium, FTCCI, Red Hills. The award for this year includes a citation and cash of one lakh. Founders of Lamakaan Ashhar Farhan, Biju Mathew, Humera Ahmed and Elahe Hiptoola received the award.

Trustees of Yudhvir Foundation Zahid Ali Khan, Dr Murli Dhar Gupta, Dr Bajrang Lal, Vinay Vir, Vipma Vir were also present on the occasion.

"Lamakaan is the intimate space, here people, participants, artists all are welcoming there's no distance between performers and audience. If we visit the Lamakaan we could notice prominent artists and stars are sitting in the middle of the audience when their name is called, he/she comes and performs then just mingle up with audience that's the special thing about Lamakaan," says Jayesh Ranjan.

"Lamakaan is an inspiration for Phoenix Arena in Gachibowli. I salute the trustees of Yudhvir Foundation for recognising the founders of Lamakaan with the memorial award that they have chosen such an institution for this award," He added.

Zahid Ali Khan spoke about the teachings of Yudhvir ji and his role at the time of partition also introduced the founders of Lamakaan. He later stated that, "Lamakaan is the place of democracy in Hyderabad, which welcomes everyone where visitors can enjoy the full meal along with various cultural events and various activities."

Later Deccani poet Narendra Rai read a poem dedicated to the Lamakaan and its founders for acquiring success upon the caste and religion. Lines from his poem, "Charminar ke sarka mashoor, Lamakaan horain... danaon hair fankaron me, so ki shann horain."

Addressing the gathering Ashhar Farhan said, "Lamakaan is the centre for culture which welcomes everyone to eat to interact to enjoy the theatre shows and much more. Instead of running a business or constructing an apartment in the prime place Banjara Hills but we have chosen to remain it same and run it only for culture." He also announced that this cash of rupees one lakh would be distributed among the employees who work in Lamakaan.

Later Jayesh Ranjan, presented the awards to various recipients for writing the best poetries during Holi festival and published in Daily Hindi Milap. The award function concluded with national anthem.