Smile Foundation opens ‘SPANDAN- Rippling Serenity’, an exhibition of painting to promote peace and solidarity among the most vulnerable sections of society, children and women. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of eminent people from across diverse sectors, Mr. Sudhir Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer, Aegis BPO Services Ltd, Meeta Pandit, Vocalist, Chitra Mudgal, Hindi Writer, Sangeeta Gupta, Artist along with Santanu Mishra, Managing Trustee, Smile Foundation and Naresh Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Smile Foundation.
Underprivileged girls from Swabhiman programme of Smile Foundation were present on the occasion to share their feelings about the mishap at Mumbai. They also presented flowers to Guests of Hounour. The inaugural started with lighting of lamp by honoured guests followed by a brief description on the theme of organising this painting exhibition. The exhibition saw a gathering of more than 200 people from different walks of life. Those present appreciated the endeavour of Smile Foundation and showed immense interest in paintings exhibited at Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The main highlight of the exhibition was the remarkable painting by Muzaffar Ali and a group of privileged and underprivileged children that started at Dilli Haat on Dec’ 23, 2008 and was finally completed by painter Rajesh K. Baderia.
The exhibition specially came to soothe flared tempers and nerves after all the devastation in Mumbai that has spread insecurity and fears in innumerable souls of India particularly the vulnerable ones like children and women.
Smile Foundation had taken refuge in COLOURS to spread peace, harmony and order as colours pacify anxieties; bring freshness and vibrancy to lives. In present times of strife and turmoil, colours have assumed an even bigger role – they have become symbols of peace and harmony.
The painting exhibition at India Habitat Centre was on display from Dec’ 26 – 31, 2008.
“An artistic heart can never be a terrorist mind”, says Muzaffar Ali
Aashayen…Aashayen…Aashayen…kuch pane ki ho aas aas, kuch arman ho jo khaas khaas…Aashayen…a group of 50 underprivileged and privileged children together sang in accord as renowned film maker Muzaffar Ali stepped in Dilli Haat to celebrate a painting event organised by Smile Foundation to promote harmony and solidarity post 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks across children and youth.
The event where a mix of children from two extremes painted a huge canvas was organised to rub off the grey images and feelings from young hearts post recent terror attacks and spread unanimous voice of peace and oneness. Children had a fun filled evening with Muzaffar Ali who enjoyed painting strokes on the canvas while having chit chat with little ones.
Children shared their dreams and aspirations about their career choices, films and actors they like with Muzaffar Ali as the veteran painter put colourful strokes on the canvas. Muzaffar Ali came forward with a strong message, “People with an inclination and sensitivity for art can never relate with terrorist activities. An artist deeply personifies self with cultural, moral and humane values that gives him pride in performing his artworks be it dance, music, art or else”. Adding further he said, “Children at tender age must be taught these values and elders must share a friendly relationship with them so peep into their thought process”.
The event saw active participation from viewers who had come to the cultural venue, Dilli Haat for shopping. Many present on the occasion appraised the efforts of Smile Foundation of providing a common platform to two extremes. The painting will be completed by a renowned painter that will be showcased at the painting exhibition, “SPANDAN- Rippling Serenity’ presented by Smile Foundation at Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The event was a small step by Smile Foundation to generate the ripple effect of peace and harmony across a section of society.
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