Latest news with #Fatema
Observer
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
How an Omani artisan crafts stories in clay bringing tradition into the future
Oman's relationship with clay pots can be traced even in ancient times. Today, visiting a bustling market in Muscat, you might stumble across a small stall displaying simple, yet beautifully crafted ceramic mugs and bowls. These aren't just ordinary tableware — they tell stories, carry memories, and connect generations. That's the world Fatema Al Muttawa is shaping with her hands every day. She's not just moulding clay; she's creating pieces that speak. Each of her ceramic works holds a story, a reflection of her homeland and her personal experiences. For her, clay isn't simply a material — it's a living thing that carries history and emotion. Fatema's journey into the world of ceramics started with a simple question: 'Why don't I design my own mugs instead of importing ready-made ones?' It might seem like a small thought, but for her, it was the spark that ignited a whole new passion. Within just two years, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged creative pursuit, and her work now exudes a freshness that belies her short time in the craft. What makes Fatema's pieces truly stand out is her unique perspective on clay. Unlike many others, she sees the material as more than just a dirt to be shaped and fired. She believes clay is alive — it has a soul, a voice that calls to her. Her connection to clay is rooted in centuries of tradition, yet she explores it through a modern lens. In Oman, pottery has a special place in history. For generations, Omani artisans have created beautiful, functional objects from clay, often decorated with intricate patterns that reflect the country's rich culture. Bahla, in particular, is famous for its pottery. The ancient fort town has been a hub for ceramic artisans for centuries, with each vessel telling a story of the land and its people. Many of those designs, patterns, and techniques are passed down from father to son or mother to daughter, shaping Oman's identity. That depth of tradition is what Fatema respects and draws inspiration from, even if her work isn't always explicitly patterned. For the newer generations of Omani artisans, embracing this traditional craft means reconnecting with their roots at a time when modernity often pushes ancient skills aside. It's more than just making pretty objects; it's about keeping alive a cultural identity, about honouring ancestors who shaped the craft with patience and humility. As Fatema puts it, 'Omani pottery is full of stories — stories of the land, of how we live, of poetry woven into everyday life.' Poetry itself is a core part of Oman's cultural fabric. The tradition of storytelling and poetic expression is woven into daily life — a humble art that celebrates patience, history, and a sense of community. Unlike Western ceramics, which often lean towards the experimental and avant-garde, traditional Omani pottery is grounded, deliberate, and soulful. Fatema believes that understanding this difference helps her craft pieces that are both rooted in tradition and meaningful in today's world. Interestingly, Fatema sources her clay from the UK. That might sound surprising — why not use local clay? She explains she combines the best of both worlds: by importing high-quality British clay, she achieves a level of precision and smoothness that's hard to find elsewhere. It's a balancing act between traditional spirit and modern techniques, bringing her closer to her artistic goals. In her studio, each piece isn't just about aesthetics. There's emotion wrapped up in every fingerprint and every colour choice. Sometimes she leaves a fingerprint as a tiny mark — a reminder that a human hand touched this piece, that it embraces imperfection, humility, and authenticity. It's her way of telling people: here is a craft that's alive, direct from a person's heart. Over time, Fatema's journey has not been without hurdles. Like many artists, she wrestles with logistics — getting her work shipped, marketing herself, finding the right audience. But she views these obstacles not as roadblocks, but as lessons. Her perspective is that every challenge is part of her craft, helping her grow and improve. What's inspiring about Fatema's story is how she's part of a wider trend — people finding new ways to entertain themselves and express their creativity. Across the world, artists are exploring crafts like pottery, embroidery, or painting, not just to make a living, but to reconnect with traditions and delve into personal reflection. This rising movement is about more than just hobbies; it's about rediscovering a sense of purpose and mastery in a digital age often dominated by instant gratification. As her creations begin to find audiences both locally and internationally, Fatema feels proud that she's helping to keep Oman's craft scene alive. She hopes her work inspires others, especially young women, to explore their cultural roots and see craft not just as a pastime, but as a meaningful way of life.
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Pakistani national living in Hooghly's Chandannagar for nearly over 40 years arrested: Police
West Bengal Police on Saturday arrested a Pakistani national, identified as Fatema Bibi, from Chandannagar, in the Hooghly district, for allegedly overstaying in India for nearly 45 years. The 60-year-old woman has been residing in her two-story residence located behind a mosque near the Kuthir Math area of Chandannagar, with her husband and children since 1980. According to police sources, Fatema arrived in India from Rawalpindi, in Pakistan, in 1980 on a tourist visa, accompanied by her father. In 1982, she married Muzaffar Mallick, an Indian bakery owner, and they have two daughters who are married. According to the local police records, Fatema was reported 'missing' by the special branch a year after her visa was issued. The arrest comes amidst renewed scrutiny of Pakistani citizens residing in India following the terrorist attacks on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The Indian government has reportedly asked Pakistani nationals to return to their home country, prompting a fresh search for those who have entered India from Pakistan. The woman's family, now seeking her release, said that Fatema's ancestors had a house in Nalikul, Hooghly, where she was born, said officials. Her father later moved to Rawalpindi for work before returning to India with her in 1980. Her husband and daughters further said that Fatema has no remaining family in Pakistan and that all her relatives are in India, the officials added. The family has also pointed out that Fatema is a registered voter in ward number 12 of the Chandannagar Corporation and possesses Aadhaar and PAN cards. They have also raised concerns about her health, stating that she requires medication and is scheduled for knee surgery. Meanwhile, the neighbours expressed surprise at the arrest of someone who has lived in the community for so long. Reacting to the arrest, Union Minister and BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday criticised the 'lax surveillance' in West Bengal, which allegedly allowed such a long-term overstay to go unnoticed. He demanded the identification, apprehension, and repatriation of all Pakistani citizens residing illegally in the state and across the country. The BJP, meanwhile, announced plans to hold demonstrations in front of all district headquarters on Monday to press for this demand.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistani national living in Bengal for forty years arrested
Chandannagar/Kolkata: A 60-year-old Pakistani national, who lived in Bengal for over four decades, was arrested by Chandannagar police on Saturday despite her claims of having deep-rooted ties to the local community. Fatema Bibi , who was born in Bengal but whose parents later settled in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was apprehended from her residence in the Kuthirmath area of Chandannagar on Saturday following a recent govt directive ordering Pakistani nationals to return to their country after a militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The arrest was confirmed by an ADG level officer in Kolkata explaining the context of the case. According to police sources, Fatema, who left India at a tender age with her parents, returned to India with her father on a tourist visa in 1980. She married local bakery owner Muzaffar Mallik in 1982 and since then established a family with two daughters, both now married. However, she was missing from police special branch records since 1981. "My wife has all necessary Indian documents, including Aadhaar and PAN cards. She is even a registered voter in Ward 12 of the Chandannagar Corporation," said Mallik, expressing concern about his wife's medical conditions that require regular medication and an upcoming knee surgery. The arrest left her neighbours shocked. "She has been an integral part of our community for 45 years. This sudden action seems unjust," said Sheikh Shah Alam, a local resident. While Fatema applied for Indian citizenship, the process remains incomplete, claimed Mullick. Police, though, said the relevant documents are yet to be produced. Her family maintains that they have no remaining connections to Pakistan, with all relatives now residing in India. The arrest comes as part of a broader govt initiative to identify and repatriate Pakistani nationals following recent security concerns. Local authorities have not yet commented on whether exceptions might be considered for long-term residents like Fatema, who have established deep community ties.
