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Ashima S Batish
Salman and Sana take some time to figure out the object they would create on the paper. Once that is decided, the rest of it is more of an organic process. One thing follows the other. The outcome of an hour’s hard work is too good for their age and skill. They aren’t artists, definitely not professionals. But the leaves, branches, trunk, tree and horse chewing on it, on the canvas, drops a hint about their future — bright and blessed.
You hope the same for other children of their age too, all of them so engrossed with creating magic with colours and canvas at the workshop organised by Hamari Kaksha, an NGO that helps underprivileged children. The works are then put on display at the exhibition. Initiated last year, the exhibition aims to raise funds for education of underprivileged children by selling artwork made by them. Thus, two purposes are served — scouting talent and supporting their education.
Into its second edition now, the exhibition in the first year enjoyed an overwhelming response from all sections of society. “We hold multiple art workshops throughout the year and only the best works are put on display,” informs Anuradha Sharma, founder of Hamari Kaksha, about the process of selecting artworks for the exhibition. However, she adds that it is not the final product that is most important. “What matters more is children’s participation and learning through art and craft.” Right now, associated with 500 children, the NGO has four branches in the tricity.
The medium of creating art is water and oil colours, tiles and stones and, “all that can develop a child’s interest,” adds Anuradha. The end product is interesting as well to catch your attention. It’s affordable too, ranging between Rs 600 and Rs 5,000. The two-day exhibition will be put on display on October 22 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh.
Social responsibility isn’t that tough to shoulder.
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