My Childhood, Mina Cartoon and My Kalihati ❤️

“Writer Labani Siddique with the Mina Cartoon Team”

 An important chapter of my childhood and adolescence was spent under the guidance and support of UNICEF and Save the Children. My parents brought me into this world and gave me the light of life; my teachers gave me the light of knowledge; and my respected elders, teachers, and mentors taught me the values that helped me become the person I am today. Looking back today, I feel truly blessed and grateful to have inherited such a precious legacy.

Memorable childhood photograph with Mina cartoon colleagues and companions from Bangladesh”

I was born in Kalihati village, under Kalihati Municipality of Kalihati Upazila in Tangail. In my eyes, my village is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The Fatikjani River flows beside our home. On one side is the endless beauty of the river, while on the other, just beyond the boundary of our home, is the main road of the upazila. The simple lifestyle of the local people, the natural beauty along the riverbank, and the presence of modern facilities create such a beautiful harmony that, to me, my Kalihati is nothing less than a paradise.

Our family home is also quite large. Surrounded by many different kinds of trees and carrying the marks of time, the old house may look very ordinary to others. But to me, it is the most precious place in the world. It is where my roots are, where my memories live, and where I feel the deepest connection to my homeland.

A nostalgic photograph from the Mina cartoon and children’s rights journey”

I have not yet visited Kashmir. However, I have been fortunate enough to visit many renowned cities, villages, and tourist destinations around the world. Yet, at the end of the day, the place where my heart finds peace is still my Kalihati village—the place where my umbilical cord was buried.

Whatever knowledge, education, and experience I have gained throughout my life, I want to dedicate a part of it to the wellbeing of the people of my village. Standing beside people, working for children, and doing something positive for society are among the things that give meaning to my life.

In this journey, Mina is not just a cartoon character to me. Mina represents a beautiful chapter of my childhood, my inspiration, my dreams, and my sense of responsibility.

One of the greatest achievements of my life was getting the opportunity to write stories for the Mina cartoon. I had the privilege of working as one of Mina’s scriptwriters. I also had the opportunity to represent the children of Bangladesh at various national and international events and programs, both at home and abroad, and to receive recognition and honors. The memories of those days remain forever alive in my heart.

I believe that having the opportunity to do something good for people is itself a kind of reward. Therefore, one of the ways I express my gratitude for everything life has given me is by continuing to work for the people of my country, especially children and the new generation.

Today, I am sharing a photograph taken with some of my dear companions from my journey with the Mina cartoon. With the passage of time, I may no longer be in regular contact with many of them. Some have moved to different parts of the world. But the dreams, values, mission, and vision that we shared during those days are still equally meaningful to me.

The beautiful world of Mina and the positive messages created for children are still close to my heart. My dream of bringing those messages to a new generation in new and meaningful ways is still alive.

Very soon, something new and exciting around Mina is coming.

Stay connected with good things.

Stay connected with children's dreams.

Stay connected with the wellbeing of humanity.

May the people of our country stay well and continue to be connected with positive change.

Please keep me in your prayers. ❤️

Writer Labani Siddique.

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