.jpg?20260305')
ENTRIES are starting to pour in from citizens and residents who have put their love of the kingdom on record in a cash prize contest to help Bahrain celebrate National Day in style, writes Stanley Szecowka.
The competition is open to all visitors to www.GDNLife.com – we simply ask you to upload a self-penned poem, rap or statement under the theme ‘Tribute to Bahrain’. It must be in English and up to a minute long.
Among the first to post an entry was Bahraini teenager Yousif Fawaz Abdullah Ghaleb. “I am truly grateful for Bahrain, a country that has given me safety, support and countless opportunities to grow,” he dynamically delivered.
“Its welcoming people, rich culture and beautiful traditions make me feel proud to call it my home. Bahrain has taught me the values of kindness, respect and community, and I am thankful for everything it continues to offer.
“No matter where life takes me, I will always appreciate the love and stability that Bahrain has provided.”
The 17-year-old from Hidd is a Bahrain Polytechnic foundation student and aims to major in electrical engineering.
As reported in the GDN, the ‘Tribute to Bahrain’ initiative has the support of Maitham Al Muharraqi, the polytechnic’s dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies.
He described the contest as a ‘wonderful way’ for students to practice their English skills while expressing their love and pride for Bahrain through writing and performance.
The contest will be integrated into its Foundation and Degree English courses engaging more than 500 students.
And, a love of Bahrain is not only home grown, with many expatriates also delighted to share their joy of being a part of the nation.
Nivedita Roy is a teacher by profession, bilingual poetess and has picked up many prizes for her literary prowess, including the long-running and now closed GDN short story contest.
She is the author of five solo books and has co-authored approximately 30 anthologies. Her work has been published in many newspapers and sites in India, Bahrain, Egypt, Argentina, Spain, Africa and US.
The 54-year-old Al Raja School teacher’s latest book of poems explores diverse themes …but Bahrain was ultimately on her mind when she posted her tribute.
“Sun rays create a mirage and bright skies,” she wrote. “Setting sun brings along pleasant vibes.”
The contest is open to everyone and the GDN cannot wait to see and hear more entries posted on our social media platform www.gdnlife.com.
We will also publish some of the entries in print and share them on our other social media outlets such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
It can be a little ditty, a lovely lyric or a passionate Churchillian-style speech – just share that video of you portraying your love for this amazing country – your personal Tribute to Bahrain.
There will be CASH prizes of BD100, BD50 and BD25 for the three best picked from all the entries by our panel of judges.
GDN Media is also in talks with a leading venue planning a National Day celebration and the winning entry may be screened, or even performed live, during one of the major events set to be staged in December.
Bahrain’s National Day on December 16 is marked with fireworks and festivities across the country. The celebrations include traditional music, food and decorations.
Enter today by uploading your own ‘Tribute to Bahrain’ entry by registering and posting it in the special section at www.gdnlife.com – a deadline date will be announced shortly so do not delay, enter today.
n Check out the latest entries at www.gdnlife.com – can YOU do better? For more details, email editor@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))