City Girl Brings in a Wave of Change, Lehar!

Bolly Tolly News,Kolkta 16th October ,2017 : A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple – “Lehar for Change” was a noble initiative by 18 years old student Aadya Bhartia from Loreto House, Kolkata who believes that social progress is like a wave and gradually, the rising tide will lift us all. “Lehar For Change” was an art exhibition that showcases handicraft products by 40 students aged between 5 years and 16 years from various welfare schools. Inaugurated by US Consul General Craig L. Hall, UK Deputy Commissioner Bruce Bucknell and eminent Indian Artists Bratin Khan and Tanusree Shankar at The Bengal Gallery (ICCR) on Saturday, October 14^th, the exhibition continued till Sunday, October 15^th .  

What prompted you towards such a noble cause at this early age?

It was a typical day at school. I was sitting in physics class when I saw a little girl waving at me through the balcony. She was from the Archana Primary Girl’s School that runs above Loreto House, and my family has been always closely associated with it. As soon as I waved back, she smiled with joy, jumped and moved ahead. This girl was on my mind the whole day and random flashback of her smiling face made me take this step. What if I could bring some joy through something that’s close to my heart? Art!

Coming from a blessed family where parents and close ones are always around to provide with and support, I have always felt the need to give back to the society in my own little ways. Lehar for me is helping children build a better future for them with their own capabilities.

So, how did you start? How were the initial experiences with the kids?

I was introduced to the cause by my grandmother, who is a trustee of the initiative to educate street children. The necessary permissions were taken at school, following which we started our first class from crooked line to sketching, still life and handicrafts. I started with painting walls at Archana Primary School then at Basha too. Now, we have weekly workshop for all the kids from various NGOs. The growth is amazing; they are passionate and very keen towards learning.

One of the experiences that I would always look back to is when we started drawing a house. There was this girl who drew just a woman bent over a steaming pot, and nothing else. I was surprised so I asked her, “Where are the windows, the door?” and she was adamant that it was the only home she knew. I realised freedom of interpretation is something you know, your heart feels and you paint with your eyes.

What are the challenges you have faced?

Trying to cope up with studies at school, sports and then teaching them was a challenge but it taught me how essential time management is. Moreover, it was difficult to stick to deadlines but the smiles on their faces and their sheer joy makes me want to keep going back.

Name few NGOs that are going to be a part of the exhibition.

Archana Primary Girls School, Basha, Disha Foundation , EkTara, Ek Prayaas, and Karmyog.

Please tell us about the products displayed at Lehar.

The children are taught to make various products of everyday use like handmade gift bags made at Archana Primary School, terracotta diyas and tea light holders made at Basha School with assistance from professional potters, hand-painted diyas made at Ek Prayaas, newspaper bags made at Disha Foundation, urli paper potlis, lanterns and envelopes made by the girls at Karmyog, coin purses and paper bags made at EkTara and gift tags, greeting cards and paper envelopes made at all schools. Lastly, my paintings are also a part of this.

Handmade products start from INR 20 and go up to INR 550. The paintings by the NGO children range between INR 2500 – INR 3500. My paintings are going to be between INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.

What is the factor that gives you strength to move on?

Helping them realize their dreams to achieve something that they thought was never actually possible pulls me to them and makes me want to work with them more and more. Spending time with them has become as important to me as spending time with my family and friends.

Where do you see Lehar down the lane?

For the future, not only do I want to continue teaching art but open their imagination and horizon to the different facets of art like music, dance, and drama. Lehar has inspired a lot of my peers to contribute to society in their own varied ways. We have even formed a group of 10 volunteers who will conduct workshops at various NGOs and train children for a better future.