Young Muslim Writers Awards 2013

We were invited as VIP guests to the Young Muslim Writers Awards 2013 in London, I must say we had a great time! I had never been to the Senate House before, lovely venue inside, despite its horrible outer aspect which reminded me a lot of the Mogamma El Tahir in Cairo with that prison-like architecture. Inside it was truly lovely!

It was a great event, very well presented, with the right balance of entertainment and  awards ceremony speech... lovely Indian catering with a wide vegetarian choice (yes vegetarian...can you believe it? I was overjoyed!).
We had such a good time, met some lovely people and really enjoyed ourselves.
It made me so happy to see the big smiles of the young winners and see their eyes shine with joy. I really hope this award will encourage them to write with even more passion and dedication in the future. For sure to win such a prize at such a young age is a true great achievement that will probably shape the way these kids will look at themselves from this day on.
And probably also the way their families will look at them too.
I wish there were such competitions when I was little. I was so good at writing, always had a vivid imagination. To me it is not a matter of winning, taking part of it and having one's work selected as one of the best is already a great recognition...and that is what people need, to have their hard work and talent acknowledged!
This event was sponsored by Muslim Hands and the Yusuf Islam Foundation. Yusuf's daughter was there too and gave a beautiful speech. She looks so much like him! It was a pleasure to see her there.


Dreadlock Alien (poet) and another actor were the official entertainers

Khaleel was interviewed by Islam Channel, can't wait to see the official broadcast.
I am also looking forward to the next gala, the MOMO awards, where Khaleel has been nominated again as best solo performer! InshAllah he will win this time.


stage

Just me

Khaleel during his interview with Islam Channel