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One world that includes all colours

Photo:Vipin Chandran

Rest of the best ‘Save Trees’ theme brought the special kids together with the rest

A recent workshop held in the city saw children with disabilities interacting with other students through a common language of colours.

Sanskriti, a resource centre for children with disabilities, Chinmaya Vidyalaya at Vadathula and Koumudi Patil, an artist and from the design faculty at IIT Kanpur, joined hands to spread creativity through inclusion. Sanskriti brought 23 students from Raksha, a school for children with disabilities to interact with children of Chinmaya from classes 6, 7 and 8 through this unique art workshop. Koumudi’s concept of spreading awareness along with the fun filled activity saw little fingers dabbing a plethora of colours on a sea of vibrant umbrellas. It was an unforgettable sight.

The event was held at the Chinmaya Vidyalaya auditorium last week where almost hundred children had gathered to experience installation art. And for them it had to be done at the very basic level.

Each student was given an umbrella with ‘SAVE TREES’ painted in oil paints. With their imagination they were to cover the painted text with foliage in poster colours. Once used in the rain, the poster colour would run to flaunt the message loud and clear. “The child’s imagination converted the umbrella into a sapling, and with there being no pressure on them to ‘beautify’ beyond their reach, they thoroughly enjoyed the process”, said Koumudi. Francis, suffering from cerebral palsy, loves to paint. Be it portraits or still life, he has mastered the art on his own, through his determination and dedication. Sitting on a wheelchair with his drawing board on his lap, he brought out one of the best works at the workshop. “I liked the concept and hope to get more such opportunities in future”, he said with a smile. Empowering parents, teachers and persons with disabilities, Sanskriti an NGO envisions an ‘inclusive society’ for persons with disabilities. Suchitra Narayan, Director- Education and Training, Sanskriti says, “Inclusion comes through interaction. And through this workshop we have been able to create an environment conducive for that interaction. It’s our first step in this direction and we hope more schools will participate in such activities in the future.”

Chinmaya Vidyalaya whole-heartedly welcomed the workshop as they want their children to break free from the structured routine and think out of the box. A project like this helps students interact with people from varied backgrounds and exceptional creative skills. “This is the kind of art I envisage”, said Maya Mohan, Principal, Chinmaya Vidyalaya. “We’re thinking of making this a monthly affair, with not just painting but other forms of art as well, involving more students even from the higher classes”, she added.

The entire approach seemed successful when a girl on a wheelchair from Raksha School was wheeled out with her umbrella by two students of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. They were chatting, exchanging notes and sharing their thoughts and ideas. In another corner, Farish, suffering from severe learning disabilities was helping with the detailing of some artistically challenged students’ umbrellas of Chinmaya Vidyalaya. A peaceful harmony of sorts filled the entire auditorium.

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