Neha Saini

Tribune New Service

Amritsar, June 3

Nothing defines creativity better than childhood and when it comes attached with some core values like compassion and responsibility, it needs to be lauded.

Leading by example, a few kids from the city are using their creative skills to raise funds and awareness regarding social causes. While they do so, they are learning important life lessons and helping the lesser privileged.

Diya Bubber, 14, has the soul of a true artiste. The young and upcoming musician has been singing since the age of four, but it’s only now that she realised the true potential of her art. Diya has been hosting online music concerts for Covid-19 relief, as a way of soothing the pain the pandemic has caused. “In my first attempt, I sang for an online prayer meet and realised the power of music as a healer. Over 5,000 people connected through that online prayer meet. The purpose of live music concert is to engage people from all age groups to channel their grief, pain, loneliness and whatever pent-up feelings they are going through and express through music,” she says.

Diya is a composer and has been writing songs as a therapeutic process throughout the pandemic. “I feel that the times have been tough for everyone, mentally and physically. We need to connect through tangible and intangible means to overcome it,” she says. Diya is also collaborating with her friend Devyani, who is the daughter of celebrated designer Raghvendra Rathore, to design masks and raise money for Covid relief. “The funding will go to different charities working for Covid-19.”

Another pair of young, socially responsible citizens are Saanvi (15) and Samika (11) Mehra. The siblings have started a fundraiser art sale through selling handmade paper, cards, tags, bags, envelopes, decoupage jars and coasters to raise funds to send ration to families that are unable to earn their day-to-day living due to Covid restrictions. Saanvi, who handles social media marketing for her sister’s creations, says: “It started after I got inspired by a friend, who was organising book sales online to raise funds for Covid-19 relief. We decided that we, too, can contribute through small efforts.” Samika, who is the artist behind the initiative says: “I spend seven to eight hours every day to make these crafts. We have already sold 40-50 orders and we just started 15 days back.”

Both girls say it’s fulfilling to use your talent and skill for something good. “I feel that one should listen to their soul,” says Samika.

Another budding artist Dishita Sareen, 15, has launched her initiative Kala, making hand-painted pots and planters to sponsor the education of two children. Dishita, who aspires to become an IAS officer, shares that it started as an effort to help two kids of a house help, who needed money for education.

“I put my crafts on sale through an online mode and whatever I earn is used to support the education of needy kids. We have already generated enough funds to sponsor the education of the two kids for six months and are now looking forward to reaching out to more,” she said.