Chandigarh December 3, 2021

The Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with ThreadBee, a local NGO which is working for the upliftment of the special children, organized an exhibition of paintings and artifacts by artists with special abilities  today, on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities titled “Nuances”, the subtle art of hidden expressions.

Professor S. K. Tomar, Dean Research and Dean Student Welfare, inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Dr. Manish Sharma, Chairperson of Gandhian Studies, Professor Ravinder Sharma from the College of Art, Sh.  Vikram Singh, Chief of University Security and the artists.

Dr. Manish Sharma, emphasized that the motive of organzing this special exhibition is to highlight that these so-called special children are as good as normal children. He said though they can’t hear or understand our thoughts but they can express their feeling through different modes like paintings, sculptures and so on.

Prof. S. K. Tomar emphasised that such exhibition should be held regularly and it’s a good way to showcase the talent of these children with special abilities. He congratulated the Department of Gandhian and Peace Studies and ThreedBee for carrying out such activities. He further added that we are all disable in one way or the other, but how we come out of the same and develop our abilities depends on individual approach and will power.

Professor Ravinder Sharma from the College of Art and one of the mentors of the students emphasized that these students are no doubt different than others, but most of the time they work through their sixth sense, which is a motivational and guiding force for them to come out of their dark shells.

In the end, Livia Tandon thanked all the invited guests and participants for their active participation and encouragement. According to her, the word “Disability” should be removed from the dictionary since technology has now helped us to overcome most of our sensory and ductile limitations.

Dr. Manish informed that in the exhibition total 12 students are participating with their paintings, mixed media photographs and sculptures. While participating in the exhibition, some of the students mentioned:

Mr. Harmanpreet mentioned that, “I am a differently-abled artist with a Master’s in fine arts. I am currently working with Coloredrims, which is revolutionising the gifting sector. I paint to express, to remember where I have been, what I have seen. It is my way to connect to the world without my disability limiting me. The contrast of light and dark has been a major component for most my artwork. My intent is to give my audience a reason to connect with my artwork and stay for a second look. I am lucky to share some of artwork with you and request you to help me reach more people.

Jasleen Kaur mentioned, “I was born deaf and dumb, but I can communicate using sign language. I received my M.F.A. in applied art from Government College of Art, Chandigarh, with an advanced specialisation in fine arts for dissabled. I worked in photography and graphic design as part of my master’s programme. I hand-drew a variety of commercial ads. I’m excited to create commercials with a larger canvas. Through efficient advertising, we can raise awareness among the general public. I’d like to contribute by typing so that my work might reach a wider audience and effect positive change. I’d want to dabble in a few applied art methods. I want to make my parents proud.”

Pallavi mentioned, “I am passionate for painting since childhood and as a result currently I completed my M.F. A (Advanced special diploma in fine arts for divyang ) from Government college of art, Chandigarh. As a painting enthusiast, I attended different workshops on painting and every time I improve myself. I have won various certificates and secured top ranks in competitions and exhibitions. This time also let’s hope for the best.

Muskaan Sohar mentioned, “I am doing my mastery in applied art from Government college of Fine Arts I have Participated in many exhibitions and also won so many prizes One of my work was also selected as a bronze on international level I want to create many more works and would like to share with all.”

Pankaj Sharma mentioned that she completed her Masters of Fine Arts in Graphics (Advanced Diploma in Print Making) from Government College of Art, Chandigarh. “During my master program I have worked in many mediums such as Etching, Aquatint, Serigraphy, Wood Cut, Stencil Printing, Lithography and Colligraphy along with Water Colour and Miniature paintings. My work was mostly based on my connection with my surroundings and now I am seeking for job/exhibitions to find a balance and harmony in my works and needs. Sir I am a specially abled person with hearing disability seeking for a job/exhibition & if I am lucky enough to get a chance to get my work exhibitive in an international virtual exhibition, it’ll be a great opportunity for me.

Arti Kaushal, mentioned, “Right now I am doing Masters study in Applied art from Government college of fine art, Chandigarh. I like doing painting and photography scene I know art. I learned painting by myself. I participated in college exhibitions.”

The exhibition will remain open till 10^th December, 2021 in the Gandhi Bhawan. The timings for the exhibition are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2pm to 5pm.