While pursuing her course in textile designing a couple of decades ago, Dr Radhike Khanna had no inkling that armed with her degree, she would be changing the lives of many “violent” and “severely challenged and multiple handicapped” children. It was a call from the SPJ Sadhana School that changed her life too.
Her dedication to these special kids at the school with her knowledge of the nuances of art will be evident in an interesting art show that is being organised at a city-based gallery.
A handful of students who are training in the art department of the institute are showcasing their talents acquired after five years of rigorous training. Vice principal of the school, Dr Khanna says, “Art is so therapeutic that we try to incorporate it in several of our drills and workshops. We look at things in a creative way.”
The art show is just another effort by the school to integrate these special kids into mainstream society. Jasmine Sajnani, head of the art department, says that the kids in the school have a wide spectrum of “problems”.
From severe behavioral issues like biting, pulling hair, inappropriate sexual behaviour, slow learning, visually impaired, Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, verbal impairment, hypersensitivity, these kids suffer from a plethora of medical issues.
Being a teacher to these kids requires a lot of effort, confesses Jasmine. She explains, “They are much more opinionated. They don’t hesitate to reveal their true feelings. Art is used as a therapy and helps focus the mind, channelise their expressions and bring a profound change in personality building.”
And forgiving is part of her learning process too. “It is frustrating when you realise you are not doing enough for the kids. But you forgive yourself and keep experimenting till you can.”
Starting today, the art show isbeing held at the Gallery Art and Soul. It ends tomorrow.
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