In an effort to prevent children in Kannagi Nagar from falling into the clutches of crime, the Chennai City Police and InkLink Charitable Trust are organising an acrylic painting workshop for 35 children.
Their art work will be displayed during an exhibition that will be held in the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) on January 26 from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Known as ARTKannaginagar, the project was a joint initiative of Rohith Nathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adyar, Shaswati Sengupta, managing trustee, InkLink Trust and Kaustav SenGupta, founder, InkLink Trust and associate professor, NIFT Chennai.
“Kannagi Nagar is always considered to be a hotbed of crime, drug abuse and unemployment. However, talent is hidden in the residents, especially the children. We wanted to bring them out,” said Mr. Nathan.
The 35 children were taught how to use the acrylic on canvas. The training was conducted at the Police Boys Club, Kannagi Nagar, from November.
“Initially, they used very dull colours which expressed their emotional status. We kept encouraging them to use brighter colours. By the end of the workshop, their attitude changed and they became joyful,” said Mr. SenGupta.
The participants were also trained in effective communication, team building and art appreciation. “Three to four children worked on a painting and they did not fight while doing it. This created a bond between them,” said Ms. Shaswati.
The presence of over 150 listed criminals in Kannagi Nagar denies a decent livelihood and dignity to the other residents. “The stigmatisation for more than a decade has given little opportunity to the children to exhibit or get appreciated for their talents,” said Mr. Sen Gupta.
Mr. Nathan said he also wanted to tap other skills such as music and sports in the children. “We would love to have volunteers teaching the children on a weekly basis. It would be a great move if singer T. M. Krishna or his students can teach Carnatic music to the children here,” he said.
