Dubai: A charity auction of Indian art will be held here next month, proceeds from which will be utilised in the areas of health, education and empowerment.

'Art With a Smile: India on Canvas', under the patronage of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be jointly organised here Nov 28 by Indian NGO Kinship for Humanitarian, Social and Holistic Intervention in India (Khushii) and Dubai's Al Noor Centre for Special Needs Children, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

"Khushii and Al Noor have taken this step together as the first initiative towards Khushii's global vision to create the world's first NGO forum that will provide aid to areas affected by global calamities," former Indian cricket captain and chairman of Khushii Kapil Dev said in a statement.

"Khushii has always had the drive to fulfil our vision of a just and equitable social order through the provision of sustainable livelihood," he added.

Proceeds from the charity will be shared by Khushii and the Al Noor Centre.

Up to 60 pieces of art along with a specially commissioned Audi A4 car and a Murano SUV from the Dubai-based Ajmal group will be auctioned during the event.

The auction, to be conducted by London's Christies, will pair renowned achievers from different walks of life with successful and talented artists from the subcontinent and the UAE to jointly create a customised piece of art that will then be auctioned.

Some of the biggest names in the global art fraternity along with leading eminent personalities, including Bollywood celebrities, senior government officials and leading industrialists have joined hands for this noble cause.

"Art With a Smile will be an effective catalyst in bridging the gap between various segments of the society, bringing them towards a common cause of global concern and reaffirming the power of the individual and the perseverance of the human spirit," said Khalid Al Halyan, chairman of Al Noor Centre.

Khushii is planning to begin a new chapter in Dubai in support of its charitable ventures in India and elsewhere.

Since its establishment in 2003, the NGO has contributed to healthcare, sustainability, rural development, remedial education, care for the aged, and investment in government infrastructure.

Set up in 1981, the Al Noor Centre for Children with Special Needs today takes care of 220 children with special needs. Its goal is to integrate its students into society and equip them with important life skills.

 

Source : IANS