Thatta Kedona

Honoring a Champion: Dr. Senta Siller's Legacy Takes Root at University of Okara

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:47:00 +0000

Dr. Senta Siller is receiving a commemorative shield from the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sajjad Mubeen of the University of Okara at a ceremony in her honour. Dr. Mubeen also announced to name the first under-construction female Hostel of the university after Dr. Senta Siller.

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Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch in Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:25:00 +0000

During their recent visit to Pakistan, Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch met Secretary General Aftab Muhammad Khan at the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO (PNCU) in Islamabad.

Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch also called on Mr. Abdul Salam Shah, DG TDAP at his office in Islamabad.

Dr. Senta Siller and Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch with Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Deputy German Ambassador and his wife at their residence in Islamabad.

Cross-Cultural Bridge Builder: Dr. Senta Siller Honored for Empowering Rural Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:12:00 +0000

During their recent visit to Pakistan, German artist, designer, and anthropologist Dr. Senta Siller, along with her husband, Professor Dr. Norbert Pintsch, visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

They were warmly received by LCCI President Mr. Fahren-ur-Rehman Saigol, who presented a commemorative shield to Dr. Senta Siller in recognition of her outstanding services to rural women in Pakistan—particularly her impactful work in the small village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara.

A meaningful moment celebrating dedication, empowerment, and cross-cultural friendship.

UO pays tribute to Dr Senta Siller’s services

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:51:00 +0000

In recognition of the German artist and academician Dr Senta Siller’s services for women empowerment, gender

By Hadia Batool

In recognition of the German artist and academician Dr Senta Siller’s services for women empowerment, gender mainstreaming and female entrepreneurship, a seminar was organized by the Directorate of External Linkages and Directorate of Public Relations at the University of Okara where the Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Sajjad Mubin, and various member of Okara’s civil society paid tribute to Dr Siller who is currently visiting Pakistan along with her husband, Prof Dr Norbert Pintsch. A large number of faculty members and students from the Weekend Program participated in the event.

Speaking at the eve, the VC eulogized Dr Siller’s lifelong services for teaching entrepreneurship skills to the Pakistani women, especially in a small village of Okara, Thatta Ghulamka Diroka. He also asserted that education was the best investment for social and economic development of the society.

Prof Mubin announced to name the under-construction girls hostel at the campus after Dr Siller. Amjad Ali, a correspondent of the German broadcasting service and an academician, briefed about the project “Thatta Kedona”, initiated by Dr Siller in 1990s. He told how the project had empowered thousands of village women and changed the socio-economic dynamics of the village.

Dr Siller, in her keynote address, explained the factors that led to her motivation of investing her energies for the project. Dr Pintsch told the journey of Dr Siller. The other speakers included a Aslam Tahir ul Qadri, a renowned social worker from Okara, and Chaudary Maqsood Ahmed Jutt, a representative of various agricultural bodies of Pakistan.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Director (Press, Media & Publications) at the UO, Sharjeel Ahmed.

Also, published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026

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Thatta Kedona in the University of Okara

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:47:00 +0000

From the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:54:00 +0000

Reminder: Visit two years ago, in March 2020, at the Iqbal House in Lahore, with SPARC's founder, painter and calligrapher Anees Yaqub.

Allama Iqbal house & museum located near Lahore Railway Station is the last residence of Pakistan's national poet/ philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. Allama Iqbal lived here from 1935 til his death in 1938. Several of Allama Iqbal's personal items are preserved and displayed, including original furniture, clothes, medications and original manuscripts and diaries. Very well maintained and a must-see for everyone.

Please also see pages 65-66 here

Where Dolls Speak and Cultures Embrace - A Tribute to Humanity Through Art

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:59:00 +0000

Haroon-ur-Rasheed (Communication & Graphics Designer, Visual Artist)

In a world often divided by borders, languages, and histories, moments of cultural convergence become rare and precious. One such moment is set to unfold in Lahore, where art, memory, and human connection will intertwine in a deeply meaningful gathering at the prestigious Mozart Haus Lahore.

The Pakistan-Austria Friendship Society, Mozart Haus, Model Town, led by President Aamir Rafique and its Executive Committee, will host an evocative tribute in honor of Dr. Senta Siller - a distinguished personality celebrated as “Sitara-e-Pakistan” and affectionately known as the “Mother of Dolls.” This event is not merely ceremonial; it is a philosophical reflection on the power of art to transcend the visible and speak to the unseen threads of human unity.

Dr. Siller’s work, centered on the creation and preservation of dolls, may at first seem rooted in simplicity. Yet, beneath this delicate craft lies a profound narrative. Each doll she creates becomes a vessel of identity, tradition, and emotion—an embodiment of cultures that might otherwise fade into silence. Through her hands, dolls are transformed into storytellers, quietly narrating tales of heritage, belonging, and shared humanity.

The symbolism of the doll in Dr. Siller’s artistic philosophy is particularly striking. It represents innocence, continuity, and the universal language of care. In a fragmented world, these creations remind us of a time when connection was instinctive and empathy unspoken. Her work asks an essential question: can art restore the emotional bridges we have lost? And perhaps more importantly, can it remind us of who we truly are?

The venue itself, Mozart Haus, Model Town, stands as a beacon of cross-cultural dialogue, embodying the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Austria. This event further strengthens that bond, illustrating how artistic expression can succeed where politics and discourse often falter. It is here that diverse minds—artists, intellectuals, and admirers—will gather not just to honor a woman, but to celebrate a philosophy rooted in compassion and creativity.

Scheduled evening promises to be a confluence of reflection and admiration. Distinguished guests from various walks of life are expected to attend, each bringing with them their own interpretations of art, identity, and cultural belonging.

In essence, this tribute to Dr. Senta Siller is more than an acknowledgment of her achievements—it is a meditation on the enduring power of art. It reminds us that even the simplest forms of expression, when infused with sincerity, can echo across continents and generations.

As the soft light of a Lahore evening descends upon Mozart Haus, one truth will quietly resonate:

Art does not merely imitate life - it heals, connects, and ultimately defines it.

Senta Maria Anna Siller

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 04:30:00 +0000

Visit this link (https://archive.org/details/projekt-die-jahreszeiten) to know more about Dr Senta Siller and discover some of the steps in her journey from the city child (Vienna) to becoming a village child, and with these experiences and skills, returning to the city (Berlin) and then the world...

Thatta Kedona at DACCHI Bazaar in LAHORE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Thatta Kedona - a beautiful handicrafts initiative from Village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, District Okara District, presented under the banner of Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama (AFA) - is showcasing traditional handmade crafts at the 24th Arts & Crafts Exhibition, organized by the Daachi Foundation. (Barat Ghar, Qasr-e-Noor, Model Town, Lahore | 14–16 Feb 2026 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM).

Visit Thatta Kedona to celebrate culture, craftsmanship, and the talented artisans keeping our heritage alive. We look forward to welcoming you.

Off to Thatta Kedona

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:15:00 +0000

Tradition and Future

Unimaginable – a generation ago, the journey from Lahore to Thatta Ghulamka Dheroka (TGD) took eight hours; a round trip in one day was hardly possible. Tongas and rickshaws were the usual means of transport in rural areas. There wasn't a single gas station between Lahore and Okara.

The situation improved with the construction of the Lahore-Multan Highway, so that visitors, by car or bus (e.g., from universities), increasingly visited the village of TGD.

Sustainable tourism developed. Guests could stay overnight with accommodation and meals; thanks to the drinking water project, fish could be offered for local consumption; neem tree leaves for insect repellent were available, as were sugarcane spread and fresh buffalo milk.A prize was regularly awarded for the most beautiful mud house (Preservation of Cultural Heritage).

Historical sites were highlighted in the surrounding area (the fort in Gogera, Lord Berkeley's cemetery near Gogera / separatist terrorists rebelled against the occupiers – the first days of independence); the publication "Dolls, Toys and More" by S A J Shirazi, published by Feroszons, draws attention to places of interest: Patoki, Sahiwal, Okara, and Sher Garh.

The project's sustainability in this context was repeatedly hampered by major political events (nuclear tests), security concerns, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and pandemics, so that domestic and international guests and visitors could take advantage of the pleasant temperatures between September and March.

TK (Thatta Kedona) lives on, preserving its traditional character. Local culture and looks optimistically to the future:

-In 2019, an art project (Artist in Residence Peter Hecht) was successfully carried out,

-In 2021, the crime novel *The Village of Dolls* by Hans Sachs was published,

-In 2024, Dr. Gwendolyne Kulick received her doctorate with a research dissertation in which the TK project also played a role.

-In 2025, after 25 years, the doll project participated in the Bazaar 2025 in Berlin with its own stand, under the patronage of Dr. Senta – a wonderful sign of the connection between tradition and the future.

Thatta Kedona is more than dolls and toys

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:08:00 +0000

The special thing lies in the versatility of the project initiator

When the article "German Connection" by Asgher Javed appeared in Nation, Sunday Plus, April 27, 2008, p. 14, readers were probably unaware of the connections between the three women in the village project; among other things, Ruth Pfau had a connection to Mango-Pir near Karachi with the workshop for leprosy patients there, and Annemarie Schimmel had a connection to TGD because of the vibrant local, traditional culture.

In one case, the Ruth Pfau Basic Health Unit was created, and in the other, the Annemarie Schimmel Cultural Complex, where theater performances, film screenings, and village music concerts took place!

Senta Siller's work was not only that of a -researcher (fieldwork in the Five Provinces), -designer (dolls based on village life), -producer (marketable items), -teacher (training village women), -marketing strategist (museums at home and abroad), -networker (Schimmel-Pfau-Kenoyer-Salima Hashmi/Ex-NCA Lahore, DSFestival, Expo 2000, 2005), but she is rightly considered an anthropologist. All of this demonstrates the visibility and awareness of local village culture, bridging the gap between science and culturally informed consumption, while also creating sustainable measures for village women.

Incidentally, village dolls are housed in the Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad, and thanks to the IWSA Prize, village toys found their way to the Children's Museum in Izmir!

It all began with the production of the film "Amjad's Village," a 24-hour glimpse into village life in TGD. An interesting article by Maqbool Malik, "Planning of a Model Village," was published in Dawn in 1994. Numerous articles by journalists have praised the project, which, through Senta Siller, has received several awards, including one from UNESCO in 2007, recognizing it as the outstanding doll project in South Asia. Ultimately, it's all on the path to UNESCO World Heritage status.

The web never forgets – so says

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:44:00 +0000

Tradition and Future

Since 2000, village project information has been primarily disseminated online; since January 2004, there has been a dedicated blog: www.THATTAKEDONA.blogspot.com

Only those who browse the blog will realize that while the flagship project of dolls and handicrafts has successfully established itself as a tradition (an initiative of Dr. Senta Siller), behind and beneath the surface of these crafts were a multitude of other projects that also addressed the future.

Photovoltaics, harnessing wind power with kites, windmills for electricity generation, sustainable and climate-friendly construction with clay, internet radio, and much more were topics intended as inspiration but have since become part of the urban culture; for example, the Photovoltaic system (the first and only private installation in Pakistan in 1997).

Student groups from NCA, UEAT, Comsats, BNU, and PU traveled by bus to the AFA's Technology and Transfer Centre in Thatta Ghulamkha Dhirokha.

The AFA's TTTC conducted workshops in Karachi and Abbottabad, experimental houses were built in Lahore, and an Institute for Experimental Building was established there. The FPAC's magazine, GREENMAG, featured several articles showcasing certain results of the TTTC. At the former NWFP, special houses with adapted technology were built for flood victims.

Not only did the AFA's WAC, now the Senta Siller Design Centre, operate outside the region, but the TTTC also collaborated with the CAT in Cameroon and TM in Colombia, where institutes were established at universities. A dedicated university for Appropriate Technology and Traditional Medicine was even founded in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

Dr. Senta Siller Receives the First-Ever Ruth Pfau Medal for a Lifetime of Lifting Pakistan’s Village

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:48:00 +0000

Amjad Ali

At 90, a German Artist Receives Pakistan’s Highest Tribute for Her Lifelong Service to Its Poorest Village

On 16 November 2025, in the quiet Brandenburg village of Gross Behnitz near Berlin, an extraordinary moment unfolded: Dr. Senta Siller, the celebrated German artist, designer, and humanitarian visionary, was awarded the inaugural Ruth Pfau Medal by Her Excellency Saqlain Syedah, Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany.

The date was no coincidence - it was Dr. Siller’s 90th birthday.

Surrounded by more than sixty family members, friends, and longtime supporters, the ceremony became both a celebration of a remarkable life and a profound recognition of more than thirty-five years of unbroken commitment to one of the most overlooked corners of rural Pakistan: the small village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in Okara District, Punjab.

In the presence of loved ones, the Ambassador fastened the newly created Ruth Pfau Medal around Dr. Siller’s neck and presented an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Government of Pakistan. The medal bears the name of the iconic German-Pakistani leprosy crusader Dr. Ruth Pfau (1929–2017), a woman who dedicated her life to the most marginalised. Few could imagine a more fitting first recipient.

For over three decades, Dr. Siller has quietly transformed Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka and surrounding villages through her “Yes, we can do it together!” philosophy. What began with handmade dolls and textile training for women has grown into schools, vocational centres, clean-water systems, women-led cooperatives, and a vibrant embroidery tradition that now sustains hundreds of families and reaches international markets.

She never asked for recognition. She simply kept showing up - year after year, decade after decade - turning creativity into dignity and friendship into lasting development.

As she steps into her 91st year, Dr. Senta Siller’s story reminds us that one determined heart, armed with compassion and imagination, can still change the world — one village, one woman, one child at a time.

Across borders, cultures, and generations, her light continues to shine.

Ambassador H.E. Saqlain Syedah honors Dr. Senta Siller on Her 90th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:21:00 +0000

On the occasion of her 90th birthday

Landgut Stober / GrossBehnitz

On November 16th, a gathering of friends and relatives took place at the Stober estate.

Memories were shared, and posters showcasing Senta's activities were displayed in four rooms, accompanied by refreshments.

Owner Michael Stober, a former student of Senta, opened the gathering and highlighted his special relationship as a foster mother,- the estate also houses the analog Senta Siller Archive.

The ambassador spoke about Senta's selfless work and honored her achievements with a medal and a certificate.

Senta's son, Henri, introduced the relatives, volunteers, and friends in attendance.

Senta's former student, Amjad Ali, who continues her work in the village of Thatta Ghulamkha Dhiroka at the Senta Siller Design Centre, took the opportunity to provide further information.

Previous: Birthday

Bazaar 2025 in Berlin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:49:00 +0000

Dr Senta Siller in Discussion with Muhammad Rumman Ahmen from the Pakistan Embassy in Berlin

After 25 years, the Thatta Kedona project is once again present at the Berlin Trade Fair. In 2001, under the auspices of the Pakistan Export Promotion Bureau in Karachi, 12 NGOs were presented, all showcasing handcrafted products. These were compiled by Dr. Siller, who, starting in 1993, developed special handcrafted products—namely dolls—dressed in the traditional clothing of various regions, trained women in rural areas, and intensively supported the village doll project. The aim was to selflessly provide women in rural areas with a family-friendly supplementary income alongside their family and agricultural work.

The project soon led to subsidiary projects (Cameroon, Colombia, among others) and gained recognition through EXPO 2000 in Hanover and Aichi (Japan). The dolls received a UNESCO award and were sold as a special item in Dubai, at the United Nations in New York, and at museum bazaars in Central Europe – always under the motto "unique pieces, not mass-produced" and with the vision: "Preservation of local traditional culture and UNESCO World Heritage..."

Patron of Thatta Kedona Stall Dr Senta Siller with volunteer Sabine

Senta Maria Anna Siller Awarded Sitara-e-Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 05:26:00 +0000

The Government of Pakistan has announced the prestigious Sitara-e-Pakistan award for Dr. Senta Maria Anna Siller in recognition of her remarkable contributions to empowering village women—especially through the internationally acclaimed handicrafts project Thatta Kedona, which she initiated in 1993 [Serial 7 in Category Services to Pakistan (Foreign Nationals)]. Dr. Siller first visited the village Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara in October 1990, accompanied by her husband Dr. Norbert Pintsch. They were invited by their student Amjad Ali, a young man from the village studying Graphic Design and Mass Communication at the Lette Verein Berlin, where Dr. Siller taught.

What began as a spontaneous visit during Amjad’s holidays turned into a life-changing mission. Touched by the warm hospitality and yet deeply moved by the poverty they witnessed, Dr. Siller felt compelled to make a difference—especially for the village women. Six months later, she returned with a team to film the documentary "Amjad’s Village," which premiered at Cinema Babylon in Berlin in 1991. When Dr. Senta Siller visited Pakistan’s major cities, she was surprised to find no dolls that truly represented the cultural richness of the country. However, she had noticed that women in the village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka traditionally made simple stuffed dolls. Inspired by this, she initiated a unique project to train girls and women in creating high-quality handicrafts — most notably, beautifully detailed ethnic Pakistani dolls representing the diverse cultures and regions of the country.

To ensure authenticity, Dr. Siller herself travelled to northern Pakistan to study traditional attire, including that of the Kalash people, believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers. Over time, these handcrafted items were not only showcased in major Pakistani cities but also internationally — particularly in Germany — under the name Thatta Kedona.

The project brought more than just recognition. It offered the village women a steady source of income, enhancing their self-esteem and improving their position in a traditionally patriarchal society. But Dr. Siller’s vision went far beyond dolls. She contributed immensely to the welfare and development of the village. She helped build and furnish the primary school, provided students with free books and stationery, and played a key role in introducing solar power and later connecting the village to the electricity grid. Thanks to her, a proper asphalt road was constructed, connecting the main road to the Women Art Centre, which was later renamed Senta Siller Design Center (SSDC) in her honour. Dr. Siller also initiated a clean drinking water project that serves the entire village. She launched a green initiative, encouraging tree planting and environmental care. Her idea "One Baby, One Tree" provided each newborn’s mother with a fruit tree, encouraging them to nurture the tree as they would their child.

As a symbolic gesture, every doll-maker received a Bougainvillea plant, so that blooming flowers in front of homes would signal to visitors: a doll-maker lives here.

Dr. Siller's efforts transformed Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka — not just in infrastructure, but in spirit. To provide basic healthcare to the people of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, a village dispensary was established as early as 1992 by Dr. Leila Siller, a medical doctor and the daughter of Dr. Senta Siller. The nearest hospital is five kilometres away, so the dispensary became a lifeline for the local community. Dr. Senta Siller personally supervised and supported the handicrafts project until 2007, before returning to Germany. She left the initiative in the capable hands of a self-organised group of village women, empowering them to run it independently. To this day, she remains in regular contact with them through occasional Zoom conferences, offering guidance on handicrafts and welfare-related matters.

Today, the villagers are overjoyed by the announcement that the Government of Pakistan will honour Dr. Senta Siller with the Sitara-e-Pakistan (also known as Sitara-e-Imtiaz) in recognition of her outstanding service. She will celebrate her 90th birthday this year and is expected to receive the award in person on March 23, 2026.

Previous: Governor Award Conferred Upon Senta Maria Anna Siller

In eigener Sache - Où est quoi - Where is what - Dónde está que?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:52:00 +0000

Info fuer Kooperierende

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www.dgfk-archive.de mit Interviews, InternetRadio, Sounds, Movies, SlideShows, Animations, Books, Poster-Exhibitions, Graphics, Blogs, Organizations, Events, Projects incl. PR

www.cultura-archive.de mit www.fbtc-project.blogspot.com und www.fbtc-blogspot.com www.ppparchive.blogspot.com mit Haedlines seit 2000 und Zugang zu allen Blogs mit Vorlesungen, Seminaren, Ausstellungen u.a./ with headlines since 2000 and access to all blogs with lectures, seminars, exhibitions, etc.

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Remembering Naeem Bhajwa: A Tribute to His Quiet yet Impactful Work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 08:33:00 +0000

The passing of Naeem Bhajwa on June 19th has left a void in the lives of those who knew him and worked alongside him. Naeem's contributions, though often quiet and behind-the-scenes, had a profound impact on the communities he touched. He was instrumental in various initiatives, including a village development project that evolved into the Technology, Transfer, and Training Center (TTTC) in the Okara District with Prof. Norbert Pintsch.

Naeem collaborated with Anees Yaqub and Mohammad M-Ali to develop the Society for the Promotion of Art and Culture, a subsidiary of DGFK e.V. Berlin. He was also involved in waste reduction programs, including a notable project in Ladakh and Sunderbans, where he introduced a simple system of waste separation to mitigate the environmental impact of burning waste. Additionally, Naeem worked on climate-friendly construction and renewable energy projects, including model test houses built by Professor Pintsch in Lahore.

Naeem's dedication to his work and his passion for making a positive difference in the world were evident in all that he did. He received the Environmental Protection Award for his selfless work on solar cookers and windmills. Lahore University students from various institutions, including COMSATS, BNU, UEAT, NCA, and PU, came together to visit examples of climate-friendly construction and decentralized, adaptive technology, showcasing Naeem's impact on the community.

Naeem's sudden passing has left a deep sense of loss among his friends and colleagues. He passed away after a beautiful walk close to Nathiagal, where he got sudden chest pain, and despite efforts to revive him, he suffered a severe heart attack.

Naeem's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the work that continues in his honor.

May his memory inspire others to follow in his footsteps and strive for a better world.

Thatta Kedona

noreply@blogger.com (Asghar Javed) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:46:00 +0000

Thatta Kedona Dolls Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Asghar Javed) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The activities of Senta Siller

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:57:00 +0000

from 1945 till date

Our project initiator is more than that;

more than 75 years of successful work are

recorded in the following list:

Publications:

and compiled from the archives

/SentaSillerArchiv-Landgut Stober-Cultura e.V. Nauen + ForZat-HVK-DGFK e.V. Berlin

Between Rest and Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 May 2025 13:05:00 +0000

Life in Your Nineties

We asked our correspondent about the well-being of our doll project initiator and received the following sketch:

April 8th - April 18th: Budapest, Shanghai, Auckland / New Zealand Congress of the International Lyceum Club in Tauranga, Meeting with friends from Switzerland, France, and Australia / Remembrance: Isabel Mertel, volunteer at TGD and artist, Sydney, Melbourne / Home of Dr. Elizabeth, volunteer at TGD, -

Bali, Dili / Timor Leste, Meeting with chief of cabinet of the Ministry of Art and Culture,

Singapore, Istanbul

April 26th: Workshop at the Landgut Stober project with artists

April 28th: Meeting in Leipzig / Grassi Museum

May 1st: Meeting at the Kolbow exhibition with former student and artist from the DGFK Claudia Becker-Jung

May 2nd: Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Berlin capitulation, together with GreatGrancChildren

May 3rd: Visit to the Anne Guetzlaff exhibition in Wasserburg

May 4th: Meeting in the studio of the artist Ute Munzinger from Falkensee

May 6th-May 12th:

Heraklion-Souda-Kolymbari / Visit of Dr. Papaderos regarding the memorial for the civilian victims of Crete between 1941 and 1945

Afrata / Discussion regarding Greece - Dolls

Orthodox Academy in Gonia regarding the Yacoby exhibition of the DGFK with Katarina Karkala-Zormpa

Meeting with Anna Papaderos regarding the contribution in the DGFK INTERNATIONAL booklet

Athens with a visit by the artist Spyros Kardamakis regarding the contribution in the DGFK INTERNATIONAL booklet

Visit regarding Greece doll project volunteer Dorit Savidou in Korapi

Tirana-Durres / Albania

Empowering Women Through Handicrafts: Thatta Kedona Website Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:48:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new website for our village handicrafts project, Thatta Kedona, https://thattakedona.net. This platform will serve as a window into our village, its people, their activities, and the various community welfare initiatives organized by the local NGO, Anjuman-e-Falah-Aama (AFA).

In addition to sharing information, the website also functions as an e-commerce platform, offering detailed descriptions—including photos, materials, sizes, and pricing—of our ethnic Pakistani dolls and other beautifully handcrafted items made by the talented girls and women of our village.

At this joyful milestone, we fondly remember the German artist, Graphic Designer and Anthropologist Dr. Senta Siller, who founded this remarkable project over three decades ago and will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year. We also pay tribute to her husband, Dr. Norbert Pintsch, who stood beside her throughout this inspiring journey.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the many volunteers from around the world—especially from Germany—who visited our hamlet, Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, in District Okara, Pakistan, and generously shared their knowledge and expertise with the local community.

We warmly invite you to visit the website and share your feedback with us.

Addressing the Clean Water Crisis in Our Village TGD

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 May 2025 09:04:00 +0000

There is a growing crisis in our village due to the severe shortage of clean drinking water. This problem is worsening with each passing day, and the consumption of polluted water continues to cause serious health issues, including diseases such as hepatitis and other waterborne infections.

Several years ago, our local NGO, Anjuman-e-Falah-Aama (AFA), managed to restore the decades-old water supply system. However, due to financial limitations, we were unable to install a proper water distribution system at that time.

Thanks to the generous support of Mrs. Aliya Nadeem, wife of our late friend and devoted supporter of our village project, Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui, we have now been able to take a vital step forward. Mrs. Nadeem has kindly funded the installation of a water distribution point on the outer wall of the village Pump House, making clean water easily accessible to all villagers. Four water taps have been installed to ensure that people can collect water in an orderly and dignified manner, without the need to crowd or push. The clean drinking water is provided free of cost, and we hope this initiative will significantly reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases in our village.

We, the members of AFA and the residents of the village, express our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Aliya Nadeem for her invaluable contribution. We also pray for the soul of Mr. Nadeem Wahid Siddiqui - may he rest in peace and be granted a high place in Jannat (paradise).

Punjab's Rich Heritage: Thatta Kedona's Handicrafts at Punjab Industrial Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:12:00 +0000

Thatta Kedona, the renowned Pak-German handicrafts initiative from the picturesque village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka in District Okara, is a standout participant at the ongoing Punjab Industrial Expo. Known for empowering local artisan women and preserving traditional craftsmanship, Thatta Kedona is showcasing its iconic collection of ethnic Pakistani dolls and a wide range of beautifully handcrafted products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.

The expo, which brings together over 200 skilled artisans from across the province, was inaugurated by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb at Global Village, Johar Town, Lahore. Running from April 22 to 27, the exhibition offers live demonstrations of traditional and industrial crafts, including calligraphy, linocut, sketching, handloom weaving, black stone carving, mehndi art, silver jewelry, and more.

With free entry for the public, the event is not just a marketplace but a vibrant cultural experience, featuring artisan showcases like Thatta Kedona, traditional Punjabi food stalls, and a variety of engaging recreational activities. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the unique handicrafts and stories behind each piece at the Thatta Kedona stall—a true celebration of creativity, culture, and community.