Physically challenged children display paintings in Mumbai.

A unique art exhibition, organised by the NGO Society for the Education of the Crippled (SEC), is displaying beautiful paintings of eight physically challenged children. The exhibition is part of the NGO’s 50 year celebrations and aims to encourage talented challenged students into the world of art.

Zarine Chothia, committee chairperson for the NGO informs that the concept behind this show is to recognise and give a boost to the confidence of the children who in spite of their severe handicap and against odds try to maintain a positive approach towards life. It highlights their growth from the shadows of depression, low economic group, verbal humiliation due to their handicap, towards the limelight where they shall showcase their talent in arts. Thus the exhibition is aptly titled From the Shadows to the Limelight.

“From these eight children, some don’t have arms, some are infected with polio and cannot sit or stand, some are paralysed from the waist and others have multiple disabilities. Usually due to the circumstances they end up doing nothing in life. So we thought of teaching them art so that they could at least earn a livelihood. And despite their disabilities it’s quite interesting to see their works,” says Zarine.

Most of the paintings seem to have used bright colours and appear to be very positive. Interestingly, a hotel which has branches in the city of Pune and Surat came to know about the talent of these children and wanted to order some paintings for their interiors. “Initially the hotel manager was sceptical and kept a clause that he will buy the painting only if he found them to be good enough. But ironically when he saw the painting he wanted to order more,” smiles Zarine. The hotel finally ordered 37 paintings for each of their branches.

Separate bank accounts for all these children have been opened since they have gotten their first order. The children hope to continue working towards a brighter future.

‘From the Shadows to the Limelight’ takes place at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, from July 3-5.