We, in the UAE, have no such word as ‘impossible’; it does not exist in our lexicon. Such a word is used by the lazy and the weak, who fear challenges and progress. A quote by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the reason behind Neha Fathima’s journey.
Neha Fathima, an Indian by birth, spent 20 hours a day for four continuous months preparing a gift for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai for his 73rd birthday on the 15th of July.
The quote by Sheikh Mohammed has influenced Fathima throughout her life and is the single more important driving factor for her in this gift.
The gift is a massive 4 by 4 portrait of the Sheikh with the words ‘Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’ written over 200,000 times repeatedly on over 400 chart papers to represent the likeness of Dubai’s ruler.
Neha Fathima, a 21-year-old woman who hails from the southern Indian state of Kerala, came to the city in the hopes of handing it over to the ruler herself.
“It was hard work. Some days my hands were bloody and swollen. But I stuck a bandage and continued on without any rest. I was inspired by the words of His Highness that nothing is impossible.” says Fathima
Her dedication to this project and respect for the Sheikh called on her to sleep just 3 to 4 hours a day and skip two exams and social activities as she diligently worked to prepare a gift to show her appreciation through art and love.
“I really wanted to make something special for him He has taken Dubai to the top of the world in every aspect. If you ask me who is the most inspirational ruler in the world, I will say it is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I am completely in awe of him.” adds the artist.
To her, this was a challenge. Being artistically inclined she chose this form of art because of the commitment it demands.
“What attracted me the most to it was the level of patience required,” she said. “In everything else, you draw and outline and then start from there. However, in word art, you can’t predict the final product until you finish working. It is challenging and also exhilarating.”
To her, this milestone comes behind her family’s and husband’s support. While people made fun of her aspiration to meet His Highness, she chose to reach her goal and did not quit. To us, this is a story of how art is one of the greatest mediums through which we can show appreciation.
