Calligraphy Maestro Sadiquain Remembered 

News Desk

Islamabad: The nation will remember calligraphy maestro Sadiquain Ahmad Naqvi on his 92nd birthday, which falls today (Thursday). He was born in a calligrapher’s family in Amroha, India, on June 30, 1930, and migrated to Pakistan after the partition. The national calligrapher earned massive respect and inspired millions of people across the globe through his magical artwork.

He was known as one of the finest painters and calligraphers in the history of Pakistan. In calligraphy, Ahmad Baqvic created his distinct expression outside the traditional angular and cursive styles, which gave him a sublime identity in the world of arts. The art supremo painted several colossal murals and drew illustrations that are still adorning the walls of public buildings in Pakistan and India.

“Quest for Knowledge” is one of his finest and most famous murals, displayed at the Lahore Museum. The renowned Pakistani artist had also written thousands of powerful poetic verses in Rubaiyat and Marsia, as he had a great command of poetry as well.

He had a staunch devotional connection with his artistic skills and never worked for material gains, as he rejected some great monetary offers and gifted his art pieces to the public many times.

Acknowledging his contributions to the discipline of fine arts, the government of Pakistan awarded him Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, the President’s Medal of Honour, Sitar-e-Imtiaz and Nishan-e-Pakistan.

In 1961, the government of France, eulogizing the artwork of Sadiquain, conferred on him the “Biennale de Paris” award, and the Australian government awarded him the “Cultural Award” in 1975. Sadiquain, the Pakistani legend, left this world with more than 15,000 pieces of artwork on February 10, 1987 in Karachi. But his unique name, magical work, and distinct identity will never be forgotten.