Preserving art and heritage

An initiative of the Indian Heritage Society and the Malabar Hill Citizens' Forum brought the best of art and cultural activities last weekend at the Priyadarshini Park and Sports Complex at Nepean Sea Road.

Art In The Park—Kala Utsav 2014, aims to revive traditional art and culture through community participation. Anita Garware, Chairperson, Indian Heritage Society, says, "The aim is to bring the community together and to present the traditions, which are in danger of being lost. The venue for the event, such as this public place, helps in creating awareness about protecting and taking pride in the community's heritage."

Among other things, the event included workshops on Warli painting, pottery, flower making, quilling and many more. The workshops were conducted by The Rochiram T. Thadani High School for Hearing Handicapped. Folk and traditional dances along with performances by the Salaam Bombay Foundation Academy and the children of local civic schools infused cheer and enthusiasm. Children were in for a treat as well with story-telling sessions conducted for them. Visitors participated with full fervour as seen from their involvement in the activities. Art exhibits set up by Sir J.J. School of Art and the L.S. Raheja School of Art were the event's main attractions. The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) as well as the deaf and mute artists were seen interacting with the visitors. Tabla players Anuradha Pal and Aditya Kalyanpur put in splendid performances with their respective troupes.

Events like the Art In The Park are organised to bring the focus of the residents on the heritage lying close to them. The residents must appreciate the value of such heritage and prevent it from getting damaged further. "We are willing to support local resident associations in order to start 'Art in the Park' in their localities. It is a community festival in which we are also involving children on a large scale," adds Garware.