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Italy, February 24, 2024 – Writers Capital International Foundation Italy proudly revealed the distinguished awardees of the International Biennale of Hagiography & Hymnography 2023, a virtual celebration uniting exceptional artists worldwide to honor outstanding contributions to sacred arts traditions.

HYMNOGRAPHY CATEGORY AWARDEES

Premio Award:

• Kostas Vassilakos (Greece)
• Dr. Pipina Elles (Australia)
• Fotini Georgantaki-Psychogiou (Greece)
• Soula Violari (Greece)

Special Jury Award:

• Sandor Halimosi (Hungary)
• Florena Iavarone (Italy)
• Christos Dikbasanis (Greece)

International Award:

• Maruzzella Parodi (Chile)
• Margarita Salirrosas Sánchez (Peru)
• Raymond N Whitaker Jr (USA)
• Ivonne Sanchez Barea (Spain)
• Martha Domínguez (Bolivia)
• Sofia Skleida (Greece)

Youth Award:

• Androniki Atzemoglou (Greece)
• Pantelis Hatzis (Greece)

HAGIOGRAPHY/ICONOGRAPHY CATEGORY AWARDEES:

Premio Award:

• Avgoustinos Velnidis (Greece)
• Eleni Kanelli (Greece)
• Nafsika Martzeli (Greece)
• Konstantina Martzeli (Greece)
• Eleni Gennimata Kamperi (Greece)
• Panicos Panagi Hatzidakis (Cyprus)

Special Jury Award:

• Stella Sorotou (Australia)
• Rosa Pappa-Vezyrtzi (Greece)
• Matina Sioki (Greece)
• Carmen Granda (Ecuador)
• Kiki Cheirakaki (Greece)

International Award:

• Kyriaki Giagounidou Kasidou (Greece)
• Argy Pappas Tsiota (Greece)
• Safta Elena (Romania)
• Vasiliki Zahou (Greece)

Youth Award:

• Maria Gida (Greece)
• Argyro Lyberopoulou (Greece)
• Veroniki Hanusova (Czech Republic)
• Efi Totta (Greece)

The announcement of these esteemed awardees marks a significant moment in the world of sacred arts, showcasing the diversity and profound talent within the Hagiography and Hymnography genres. Writers Capital International Foundation Italy extends gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions to this global celebration.

While Congratulating the participants and awardees, Writers Capital International Foundation President Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar and Secretary General Irene Doura Kavadia also extended gratitude to Elisa Mascia – Chief Coordinator Italy, Chairman of Jury Professor Nuccio Mula, Silla Campanini, George Lenis, Leontios Petmezas,Dimitris Varvarigos, Antonietta Micali, Theodoros Dalmaris, Joan Josep Barcelo, Angeliki Kompoholi and Marco Antonio Rodriguez Sequeiros for contributing to the success of the event.

Exceptional Artists Honored for Profound Contributions to Sacred Arts

Writers Capital International Foundation Italy proudly unveils the distinguished awardees of the International Biennale of Hagiography & Hymnography 2023, a virtual celebration that brought together exceptional artists from around the world to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to the rich traditions of sacred arts.

HYMNOGRAPHY CATEGORY AWARDEES

Premio Award

• Kostas Vassilakos (Greece)
• Dr. Pipina Elles (Australia)
• Fotini Georgantaki-Psychogiou (Greece)
• Soula Violari (Greece)

Special Jury Award

• Sandor Halimosi (Hungary)
• Florena Iavarone (Italy)
• Christos Dikbasanis (Greece)

International Award

• Maruzzella Parodi (Chile)
• Margarita Salirrosas Sánchez (Peru)
• Raymond N Whitaker Jr (USA)
• Ivonne Sanchez Barea (Spain)
• Martha Domínguez (Bolivia)
• Sofia Skleida (Greece)

Youth Award

• Androniki Atzemoglou (Greece)
• Pantelis Hatzis (Greece)

HAGIOGRAPHY/ICONOGRAPHY CATEGORY AWARDEES

Premio Award

• Avgoustinos Velnidis (Greece)
• Eleni Kanelli (Greece)
• Nafsika Martzeli (Greece)
• Konstantina Martzeli (Greece)
• Eleni Gennimata Kamperi (Greece)
• Panicos Panagi Hatzidakis (Cyprus)

Special Jury Award

• Stella Sorotou (Australia)
• Rosa Pappa-Vezyrtzi (Greece)
• Matina Sioki (Greece)
• Carmen Granda (Ecuador)
• Kiki Cheirakaki (Greece)

International Award

• Kyriaki Giagounidou Kasidou (Greece)
• Argy Pappas Tsiota (Greece)
• Safta Elena (Romania)
• Vasiliki Zahou (Greece)

Youth Award

• Maria Gida (Greece)
• Argyro Lyberopoulou (Greece)
• Veroniki Hanusova (Czech Republic)
• Efi Totta (Greece)

The announcement of these esteemed awardees marks a significant moment in the world of sacred arts, showcasing the diversity and profound talent within the Hagiography and Hymnography genres. Writers Capital International Foundation Italy extends gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions to this global celebration.

Athens, Greece: In a virtual symphony of art and literature, the Biennale Of Hagiography & Hymnography 2023 unfolded on December 23, 2023, creating a tapestry of creativity that resonated across borders. Hosted by Writers Capital Intl Foundation, the event brought together luminaries, artists, and literary enthusiasts from around the world, celebrating the convergence of hagiography, hymnography, and the spirit of Christmas.

The event commenced with a Presidential Address by the esteemed Preeth Nambiar, Founder & CEO of Writers Capital Intl Foundation. In a message steeped in the festive spirit, Mr. Nambiar extended warm Christmas wishes, inviting attendees to reflect on the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ—a symbol of love and compassion for humanity. Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of attendees, he announced the forthcoming Panorama International Literature Festival, set to commence on January 1st and extend throughout the month, promising to be the world’s lengthiest literature festival.

Irene Doura Kavadia, Secretary General of Writers Capital Intl Foundation, took the reins of the virtual gathering, guiding participants through the intricacies of the Biennale. With her leadership, the program seamlessly unfolded, showcasing the rich tapestry of hagiographic and hymnographic expressions.

Elisa Mascia, Coordinator Biennale Italy and WCIF Executive Member, welcomed guests, setting the stage for an evening of artistic exploration. The spotlight then shifted to Professor Jeffrey Levett, Honorable Member of the WCIF Advisory Board, who launched the revamped website of Writers Capital Foundation, marking a milestone in the organization’s digital presence.

The distinguished lineup of coordinators and committee members included Marco Antonio Rodriguez Sequeiros from Bolivia, Smaradgi Mitropoulou, Executive Member, Vasiliki Dragouni from WE editions, Giorgos Sardelis, Pilf Org. Committee Member, Georgina Tsismalidou, Youth Foundation Member, Voula Memou, Pilf Org. Committee Member, and others.

Notably, Antonietta Micali, Jury Biennale Italy, conveyed greetings and wishes from Tiberina President Pinardi, adding an international touch to the event. Filippo Papa, PILF Director, Dimitris Kannavos of Hellenic Media Group, and other distinguished personalities from around the globe graced the virtual dias, contributing their unique perspectives to the proceedings.

The heartwarming conclusion came as each participant shared wishes for love, solidarity, harmony, and world peace for Christmas and beyond. The virtual gathering exemplified the power of art and literature to connect diverse cultures, transcending physical boundaries.

As the digital curtain fell on the Biennale Of Hagiography & Hymnography 2023, the echoes of well-wishes lingered, promising a future where the written word and artistic expression continue to foster unity and understanding worldwide.

Mysore, Karnataka: Writers Capital Youth Foundation (WCYF), the youth wing of Writers Capital International Foundation, announced the initiation of the “D.R.E.A.M.: Drug Resistance Education and Awareness Movement.” This global endeavour aims to create widespread awareness about drug abuse in educational institutions while nurturing the dreams and values of children and youth.

Expressing the significance of the programme, Adityamohan Nambiar, President of Writers Capital Youth Foundation, stated that beyond resisting drugs and fostering values that can positively impact the world, it goes beyond conventional awareness campaigns. “D.R.E.A.M. is a movement to prepare the youth for higher dreams in their lives. We believe in empowering the younger generation to dream big and stand strong against the challenges they may face,” he said.

The global initiative is set to unfold across the world, benefitting children and youth from various nations through a diverse range of activities. Adityamohan Nambiar highlighted that the program will feature engaging events like flash mobs, literary competitions, cultural activities, and more, bringing communities together on a global scale. The foundation is also planning to collaborate with celebrities to amplify the messages of the D.R.E.A.M. Movement.

Writers Capital Youth Foundation operates under the umbrella of Writers Capital International Foundation, an international non-profit organisation present in over 87 countries. The foundation, led by author, educationist, and humanitarian Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, is dedicated to bringing together writers and creators worldwide and is listed under the United Nations civil societies.

Emphasising the organisation’s commitment to social causes, Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, Founder and CEO of Writers Capital International Foundation, said that it is the prime responsibility of the organisation to act for social causes and reinforce values for humanity. The initiatives of the foundation would benefit the whole world, added Irene Doura Kavadia, the Secretary-General and an Athens based author, linguist and humanitarian.

The Writers Capital International Foundation, is also organising key events such as the Panorama International Arts Festival and Literature Festival. These events unite writers, artists, and creative minds for the greater causes of humanity, environmental values, global peace, and harmony. The D.R.E.A.M. Movement marks a significant step forward for Writers Capital Youth Foundation, aligning with its mission to inspire, educate, and empower the youth globally.

Phagwara, India: In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, the Youth Wing of Writers Capital International Foundation, known as Writers Capital Youth Foundation (WCYF), organized a charity event to distribute dresses to a slum area near Chandigarh in Phagwara, India. The event, held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, aimed to provide warmth and comfort to those in need during the beginning of the winter season.

Under the dedicated leadership of Adityamohan Nambiar, the Head of WCYF, the youth group collected a generous assortment of donated dresses, blankets, shoes, and more to be distributed among the children residing in the slum area near Urban Estate in Phagwara. This initiative was a response to the pressing need in the community, where many individuals endure the winter without adequate clothing or blankets to shield themselves from the cold.

The altruistic team, which included members Mukhil Munnilath and Ajasil Mohammed, collaborated with a local resident, Pavan Kumar, who played a crucial role in identifying those most in need within the community. Together, they worked seamlessly to bring warmth and joy to the lives of the slum’s children.

Winter in Punjab can be particularly harsh, and this charitable act by WCYF reflects a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. By addressing the immediate needs of the community, the youth foundation aims to inspire others to contribute to similar initiatives that bring about positive change.

WCIF President, Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, and Secretary General expressed their heartfelt congratulations to the Youth Wing for their inspiring act of kindness. They emphasized the significance of such events in fostering a sense of community and hope. The leaders of WCIF look forward to supporting and participating in more initiatives that resonate with the organization’s dedication to humanitarian values.

 

In a spectacle of cultural opulence, the literary echelons of Thiruvananthapuram witnessed the grand unveiling of the Malayalam translation of “History Liberated: the Sree Chithra Saga” on the evening of Saturday, 11th November. Authored by the distinguished H.H. Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi Thampuratti and eloquently translated by the literary virtuoso, Dr. Mini John, the event unfolded at the Levee Hall, creating ripples of literary resonance.

The ceremonial release, graced by the esteemed H.H. Pooyam Thirunal Gouri Parvathi Bayi Thampuratti, exuded regality, as the translated opus, titled ‘Charithram Velichathilekku: SreeChithra Gadha,’ found its way into the hearts of literary enthusiasts. The first copy was received with honor by Shri T. P. Sreenivasan, former Ambassador, underscoring the significance of this cultural milestone. Satbhavana Trust proudly nurtured this literary gem into existence.

Dr. Mini John’s meticulous translation was applauded for unravelling the historical tapestry of Kerala’s past, offering Malayalam readers an exquisite journey through time. The English version of the book, originally published in 2021, had captivated audiences with its explosive revelations, unravelling a decisive period in Travancore’s history.

The ceremony unfolded amidst a gathering of distinguished guests, ardent literary admirers, and members of the royal family, creating an ambience that resonated with the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Dr. Mini John’s commitment to literature and history was lauded, with attendees recognizing the pivotal role this translation plays in preserving and disseminating the state’s cultural legacy.

As the pages of “Charithram Velichathilekku: SreeChithra Gadha” gently unfurl, it not only stands as a triumph of literary prowess but also serves as an insightful guide for present-day leaders. The book, echoing the selfless governance of Kerala’s erstwhile kings, beckons leaders to glean inspiration from the annals of history, emphasizing service over self-interest for the greater good.