National Award-Winning Muslim Artist Blends Art, Culture, and Science to Inspire Youth
Team Clarion
GUWAHATI — Nooruddin Ahmed, a renowned national award-winning sculptor and art director, has taken centre stage once again, this time by leading the first-ever Science Fair at the 77th Pathshala session of the Assam Sahitya Sabha. Known for his extraordinary creativity and dedication to art, Ahmed has now turned his focus towards fostering scientific curiosity among the youth through this groundbreaking initiative.
The Science Fair, held from January 31 to February 4 at the Sahitya Sabha grounds in Pathshala, attracted lakhs of visitors from across India and abroad. Organised in collaboration with 21 institutions, including the Indian Army, National Science Centre, Oil Corporation of India, and several universities, the event showcased a wide array of scientific and technological exhibits.
“This is my first time organising a science fair on such a large scale,” Ahmed told Clarion India. “I have been involved in sculpture and art direction for decades, but this initiative by the Assam Sahitya Sabha is a welcome move. It will play a significant role in promoting a scientific mindset among the youth.”
Ahmed, who has been designing arches and decorating venues for the Assam Sahitya Sabha for over three decades, expressed his pride in being associated with the Pathshala session after 38 years. “I am particularly fond of the Pathshala session. The Sahitya Sabha session was held here in 1987, and I worked on the museum and archway back then. I am grateful to the president of the welcoming committee and Minister Ranjit Kumar Das for giving me this opportunity again,” he said.
The art director, along with his team of 16 artists, including his two sons, Deep and Raj Ahmed, began decorating the venue on January 19 and completed the work by January 30. “We wanted to create an immersive experience for visitors, blending art and science seamlessly,” Ahmed explained.
The Science Fair marked a significant milestone for the Assam Sahitya Sabha, which is celebrating its 108th year. Founded in 1917, the organisation has long been a custodian of Assam’s cultural and literary heritage. This year, however, it ventured into the realm of science and technology, thanks to Ahmed’s visionary leadership.
Ahmed’s contributions to Assam’s cultural and artistic landscape are immense. He has revived traditional arches and statues across the state and has prepared Assam’s state tableau for several Republic Day celebrations. Despite facing initial challenges as a Muslim artist working in a diverse cultural environment, Ahmed’s work is now celebrated and respected by people of all backgrounds.
“Art has no religion,” Ahmed said. “It is a medium to connect people, to tell stories, and to preserve our heritage. I am grateful that my work is now accepted with love and respect by everyone.”
As the Assam Sahitya Sabha continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation, Nooruddin Ahmed remains at the forefront, bridging the gap between art, culture, and science. His work not only preserves Assam’s rich heritage but also inspires future generations to explore the wonders of science and technology.
“This Science Fair is just the beginning,” Ahmed said. “I hope it ignites a passion for science in young minds and encourages them to dream big.”
The event concluded on February 4, leaving visitors inspired and eager for more such initiatives from the Assam Sahitya Sabha. Through his dedication and creativity, Nooruddin Ahmed has once again proven that art and science can come together to create a brighter future for all.
