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Dubai
, UAE - June 22, 2005:
The birth of Modhesh gave Dubai Summer Surprises a smiling twist. With him came more fun, more colour and many more joys. The cheerful mascot came as the perfect answer to other cartoon characters that do not necessarily fit into the images and values of the region’s culture and at times even clash with its beliefs. Equipped with the right blend of values and fun, he waltzed right into the hearts of the many little ones who find it hard to imagine a DSS without him. Due to his infectious smile and caring nature he has developed a strong bond with his fans – both big and small.
Said Saeed Al Nabouda, DSS CEO, “We came up with a mascot for DSS because there was a void for an Arab-spirited cartoon character. Modhesh is indeed the perfect embodiment of good character and traditional virtues; he adds extra value to the season of surprises. Through his games, stories and entertainment he gives a richer meaning to DSS.”
Added Al Nabouda, “Kids love Modhesh because he fulfils the needs of a role model who depicts things which are beautiful whether its colour, music, or even adventure. He kindles in them a desire to grow their imagination and in the process also works towards their education. The popularity gained by Modhesh is a result of his bond with all events and surprises. He is truly like an accordion that finds its way to everyone’s hearts and minds,” he said.
“The DSS office is aware that the kids’ world is big, a bit complicated but nevertheless important. This ideology puts us on a guard to maintain a high level of awareness when dealing with the kids. We have to instil our cultural values and belief, so they carry on our identity eternally. At the same time we also need to teach our children to cope with the advancement in technology,” he assured.
Laila Suhail, DSS Executive Project Director said, “Modhesh, the creative and kind character makes kids feel happy, adventurous, self-confident, and optimistic. He gives them an alternative hero that they can better relate to, unlike the usual other superheroes. Modhesh passes on great ethical values to kids who take pride in participating in the events. He comes across as a role model who teaches kids to accept everyone and be friendly with other kids irrespective of their colour, origin, and beliefs,” stressed Laila adding, “Modhesh has succeeded in crossing all barriers between people of different origins which in a way has helped stimulate mutual respect and understanding of different cultures.”
She added, “A cartoon is an influential character for kids and can have a big impact on their behaviour and leadership skills. However, watching Western cartoon characters does not always give them a local identity that they can relate to and Modhesh fills this gap between cartoons and the local cultural values. While Modhesh is now successfully competing with other Western characters, he is also imparting the thoughts and beliefs to kids that are more tuned to our culture.”
Khetam Saleem, a mother of three children supported the opinion that cartoon movies and series play a big role in shaping the personality of kids who watch them almost on a daily basis as she said, “It is dangerous to depend on non-Arab cartoons because they sometimes convey inappropriate messages for the kids, like violence and selfishness. The problem is that these cartoons are a big attraction for our kids. Hence we have a responsibility to meet the needs of our kids by coming up with an alternative solution, like Modhesh.”
Dr. Hashim Dowedrey, a teacher of Arabic language in Dubai said, “After carefully monitoring the kids’ world and their cartoons, I found that other characters are publicising a wide range of values and messages but not all of them seem right. These characters and most other characters are imaginary and paranormal and are far from reality. Children can get easily impressed by them and be encouraged to imitate them, which in reality is very dangerous. It can be depressing and disappointing for them when they try and fail to imitate their idolised characters.”
“The characters born from the Arabic version of Sesame Street performed well and helped to educate and entertain children. Modhesh, the cartoon character is loved by millions of kids. He is one of the few Arabic characters that positively influence the children passing on to them good manners and behaviours. When Modhesh smiles he brings joy to the kids and his yellow colour reflects the everlasting beauty of sunshine. He is a friend who talks to the kids and plays with them. He teaches little ones to remain active yet maintain tranquillity and politeness, a lesson of great importance in all the hustle bustle of the fast-paced lives we live today,” he added.
One of the many friends of Modhesh, Farah Mahmoud Al Romhey said, “Modhesh tells me interesting stories with a lot of scientific and educational information packaged within them. He treats kids with kindness and also loves to contribute in helping the less fortunate around the world.”
Mahmoud Jamal, another fan of Modhesh explained, “I love to see Modhesh in shopping malls as he inspires me to think and find solutions that cartoon series fails to do.”
A friend of Modhesh Aisha Al Zaroney said, “Modhesh is a saviour from the cartoon movies that are mostly based on violence, killing, and destruction. I love him because he is attractive, kind and the most handsome character around.”
Maria Ashraf is generally scared of cartoon characters but Modhesh; the friendly character was able to break the barrier of fear for her. She said, “I was waiting for the summer surprises to start so that I can meet the characters who are active, adventurous, peaceful, and bring a smile to the everyones faces.”
Adds Fatma Ali, a special needs child, “I love Modhesh because he brings gifts, flowers, and joy to me and my friends with special needs. We have to normally deal with a lot of pain but seeing Modhesh coming to us proves that he is not just a simple carton character for fun. He cares about his friends and teaches good principles and values by setting an example himself. He wants children to imitate him in his goodwill gesture.”
The ten-week DSS 2005 begins with the Flower Surprises today and continues with the Sweets Surprises, Arts Surprises, Colour Surprises, Ice Surprises, Adventure Surprises, Cartoon Surprises, Heritage Surprises, Knowledge Surprises and concludes with the Back-2-School Surprises on September 2.
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