Anna Molka Ahmed, Painter

Anna Molka Ahmed (1917 to 1994) was a famous Pakistani artist and pioneer of fine arts in the country after its independence in 1947. She was a professor of fine arts at the University of the Punjab in Lahore. She was born to Jewish parents, in London, United Kingdom. Her mother was Polish and father was a Russian. She studied painting, sculpture and design at St. Martin School of Arts, London. After marrying Sheikh Ahmed, a would be Pakistani in October 1939, she converted to Islam. Although, her marriage was over in 1951, she lived in Pakistan with her two daughters. Art Career, In 1940, Professor Emeritus Anna Molka Ahmed set up the Department of Fine Arts, now the College of Arts and Design at the University of the Punjab, which has now become a center of excellence for Fine Arts in Pakistan. Her students became famous artists in the country and many of them are playing their role globally. Awards and honours Awarded Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (1963), the highest civil award for her services in the field of fine arts education in the country. Awarded President's Award for the Pride of Performance in 1969. Khudeja Tul Kubra Medal