Children always surprise with their answers. As adults we fail to comprehend the fact that a mascot can mean more than just branding strategy to the little ones. Indeed, Modhesh, the sunshine mascot of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), has won many hearts. Did you know that he is a vegetarian and loves to save energy? He represents Dubai’s vision for its future — full of fun and entertainment in a responsible manner. Though this mascot is quite in your face come DSS, it was interesting to note that many children did not know him. Some just could not stand his glee. One child said that he is scary. A few parents stopped us from speaking to their children about Modhesh, complaining that the kids would pester them to go mall hopping once the summer begins.
As we see here, kids today know their minds.
Ralph Maluntad,
15, Filipino
“Modhesh has the brightest and the widest smile I have ever seen. He makes me smile too. I have not had a chance to meet him at the DSS venues, but I keep staring at him whenever I see him on Dubai’s streets. If I get a chance to meet him I would ask him to spend the day with me and talk to me, not just smile and wave from the top of some building.”
Seara Farzeen Khan,
14, Bangladeshi
“Modhesh is an epitome of fun-loving Dubai and its bright summer. He is so full of joy and is very friendly with children. I wish to go to Modhesh World and participate in some events there. I have heard from friends that it must not be missed. This year I will stay as good as possible so that my parents take me there.”
Mariam Abdelrhman,
Nine, Egyptian
“I painted Modhesh from a newspaper clipping and my parents saw it and took me to the DSS events for children. I love the summer in Dubai, when we stay back in the city to enjoy the season. Children play while parents shop. I hope this time too I get an opportunity to shake hands with the huge Modhesh mascot.”
Evann Sehgal,
Four, Indian
“I like the smiling face and the yellow colour of Modhesh. My favourite memory of Modhesh is when my dad bought me a Modhesh soft toy. Now I have Modhesh in my room the whole year. I love visiting Modhesh World. It has many fun rides, performances and activities. Last year I got to meet birds, horses and monkeys in the mini zoo at Modhesh World. I always wear my red Modhesh cap wherever I go. So the whole year I carry Modhesh on my head.”
Aadi Sikidar,
Eight, Indian
“When I was younger, I used to be a frequent visitor to Modhesh World during the summer months and loved the rides there. However, I am no longer a big follower as I feel Modhesh is synonymous with babies and girls. Boys of my age prefer superheroes such as Batman, Iron Man and Spiderman. Nonetheless, I think Modhesh sports a cool yellow colour. Although, I would have preferred a blue Modhesh.”
Meghna Pradeep Nair,
11, Indian
“A few years back when I was younger I was attracted to Modhesh because he sported my favourite colours — yellow and blue. Little did I know that he is more than a mascot. He hosts many amazing programmes during DSS where we meet children from various nationalities taking part in the fun and games. I feel happy when I look at him. He is funny and very entertaining.”
Ahmed Mohammed Samir,
13, Egyptian
“I love Modhesh. I had a cap with Modhesh that I used to carry to school and somebody nabbed it and I was very sad. Earlier Modhesh was just yellow in colour, but now I think he is more white. I wanted to ask somebody why they changed his colour because the bright yellow was better. This year too if I get a chance I will ask my parents to take me and my friends to have all the fun at Modhesh World.”
Aditya Shivakumar,
13, Indian
“Where is Modhesh these days? I mean he used to be seen a lot more on the roads earlier, but I don’t recollect seeing him these days as often. I remember once seeing him swinging by the ropes at the Clock Tower and found that idea really cool. I have not participated much in DSS events. Modhesh reminds me of the colourful crayons that I like to paint with.”
