Special kids share stories with art

HYDERABAD: “These children weren’t just drawing superheroes; they were showing us what it means to be one,” said an attendee at the 'Taare Zameen Par,' a painting competition organised by Area 9 of Round Table India. The event was held on Children’s Day at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) in Secunderabad with 500 differently abled and physically challenged children.

Paintbrushes in hand, the children shared their stories through art. The children had an hour to paint on themes like ‘Cartoon Comic’, ‘Superhero’, and ‘Go Green’. They brought their ideas to life with help from family and volunteers.

One of the youngest participants, six-year-old S. Khaja, sat with his mother from Nampally, carefully working on his superhero drawing. Enrolled in NIEPID, Khaja’s enthusiasm was clear as he dipped his brush, eyes fixed on his creation. The pair worked side-by-side and their understanding spoke volumes as his mother guided his hand when needed.

While most children were accompanied by their mothers, some had come with their fathers. Sivananda Naik stood beside his son, K. Sai Ram, encouraging him with gentle words as he drew his tree on the ‘Go Green’ theme. When Sai stopped painting halfway, Sivananda said with a laugh, "You have to tell him with love. He does the opposite of what he's told — quite the rebel, isn't he?" With a little patient encouragement, Sai picked up the brush again.

Sainath, a student at NIMH, arrived on his own and took pride in his independence. "I do things alone," he said. He spoke of his grandfather, whom he described as "internationally famous," and his father, an officer who "goes around in siren cars." Sainath, who is training in photocopying and spiral binding, has a clear plan for his future. “Once I finish, I’m opening a xerox shop,” he announced confidently.

By his side was Mazhar Sayed, a BA first-year student volunteer. “This is my first time, but I’m enjoying it quite a bit,” Mazhar said. “I’ve learned a lot about building trust with these children, and how important it is to reinforce affection.”

According to Tabler Kowshik Yakkala, area vice-chair, the competition was part of a nationwide event held in 130 cities, with over 10,000 children participating. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the competition was held in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Secunderabad, with nearly 1,200 children joining. The winners of the competition were given away gift hampers.