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camp on Kangra art for the differently-abled in Dharamshala by
Akhilesh Bharati Dharamshala
(Himachal Pradesh): Twenty-five specially-abled children have been given training
in ancient Kangra Art during a vocational training camp here. Organised under
the 'Sarva Siksha Abhiyan' or, Education for all scheme by the Central Government,
the camp was meant to motivate and equip enthusiastic children with knowledge
of art through special training. "This is organised under the 'Sarva Siksha Abhiyan'
(Education for all). It is a 10-day long vocational training. Our aim is to inculcate
the knowledge of art among the physically, mentally disadvantaged. We also have
children who have orthopaedic problems and hearing impairment," Dharmender Kanwar,
programme coordinator said. Kanwar said that through such activities the children
were imparted knowledge of Kangra Art and were given a positive vision to the
differently-able children besides promoting the art form among them. It was felt
that the differently-abled children, despite their physical disablilities, could
express their innermost feelings through paintings. A painting exhibition to encourage
these children is also on the anvil. The ten-day long camp (July 4 to 13) witnessed
participation of teenagers between 12 to 17 years. "After making these paintings
I will sell it, it will help me economically," said Fatima, one of the participants
on the last day of training camp. Kangra art originated in a small hill state
'Guler' in the Lower Himalayas in the first half of the 18th century when a family
of Kashmiri painters trained in Mughal painting style sought shelter at the court
of Raja Dalip Singh (1695-1741) of Guler. The rise of Guler Paintings started
in what is known as the "Early phase of Kangra Kalam." The new arrivals mingled
with the local artists and were greatly influenced by the atmosphere of the hills.
Instead of painting flattering portraits of their masters and love scenes, the
artistes adopted themes of eternal love between Radha and Krishna. The paintings
were naturalistic and employed cool, fresh colors. The colors were extracted from
minerals, vegetables and possessed enamel-like luster. Verdant greenery of the
landscape, brooks, springs were the recurrent images on the miniatures. One of
the striking features of the ancient Kangra paintings is the verdant greenery
it depicts. The style is naturalistic, and great attention is paid to detail.
The foliage depicted is vast and varied. This is made noticeable by using multiple
shades of green. The Kangra paintings feature flowering plants and creepers, leafless
trees, rivulets and brooks. Kangra paintings depict the feminine charm in a very
graceful manner. -July
14, 2009
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