Google Doodle celebrates Pakistani art pioneer Anna Molka Ahmed

She became the country's first art teacher to bring students outside the classroom to paint.

01 Jun, 2020

Talk about well-deserved!

Google has honoured acclaimed Pakistani artist and educator Anna Molka Ahmed, on what would be her 80th anniversary.

On this day in 1940, Ahmed established the Fine Arts department at the University College of Arts and Design (University of Punjab), and became the country's first art teacher to bring students outside the classroom, to paint outdoors.

Born on August 13, 1917 in England, she was determined to become an artist from a young age, and enrolled herself at the Royal College of Art in London where she met her husband and moved to Lahore.

Anna then became instrumental in fostering a culture of art in Pakistan and was appointed as the first head of the Fine Arts Department, organising the first ever art exhibitions held across the country.

In honor of her pioneering achievements, Ahmed also received the honour of Tamgha-I-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence), one of the highest civilian awards for a citizen in Pakistan. Her efforts have indeed laid the foundation for decades of arts education in Pakistan.