Lamakaan receives 28th Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award

Hyderabad: Lamakaan received the 28th Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award.

The Lamakaan is 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 of IT, Industry & Commerce, Government of Telangana presented the memorial Award to the founders of Lamakaan on Tuesday at KLN Prasad Auditorium, FTCCI, Red Hills, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, Hyderabad. The award for this year includes a citation and cash of Rs. 1 Lakh. Co-Founders of Lamakaan Ashhar Farhan, Biju Mathew, Humera Ahmed and ElaheHiptoola received the award.

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

Speaking on the ocassion, Jayesh Ranjan said, "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 he's name is called he comes and performs then he just mingle up with audience that's the special thing about Lamkaan."

"Lamkaan is an Inspiration for phoenix arena in Gachbowli. I salute for 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 Shri 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 Banjarahills but we have chosen to remain it same and run it only for culture." He also announced that the cash award of Rs. 1 lakh would be distributed among the employees who work in Lamkaan.

Later, Jayash Ranjan also presented the awards to various recpeints for writing the best poetries during Holi festival and published in Daily Hindi Milap.

The award function concluded with national anthem.

What is Lamakaan?

Lamakaan opened its doors on 13th March 2010.

Its programming is consciously centered around conversations that matter to the people. From hosting performances that raise questions on gender, politics, tribal rights and LGBTQ concerns, to events that would otherwise not have found a platform elsewhere.

In just a few years, Lamakaan transformed an old family home into a throbbing hub of culture. It has been the birthplace for popular clubs including their own initiatives — start-up Saturday, Sunday organic bazaar, pechakucha, handloom exhibition, night school and LARC (Lamakaan Amateur Radio Club).

To date, it has hosted more than 777 plays, 809 talks, 750 workshops, 481 music and dance performances, 309 art shows and 383 movie screenings among other events. The Trustees of Yudhvir Foundation laud Lamakaan's spirit and passion and are pleased to present its founders the 28th Yudhvir Memorial Award.