BHARATI PAWASKAR
She is an artist with a beautiful mind. Teaching not only fine art, but the art of living to kids, special children and women, Vrinda Agarwal takes pride in dedicating her life for a cause. An art teacher for two decades, she has been offering a platform for her students to showcase their talent by organizing art exhibitions. It is her seventh exhibition “ ‘Young Xpressions “ Art for a Cause for Animals’ to be held on December 28 and 29 at Vasco.
Art teacher for two decades, Vrinda points out that it is not about showcasing the art of her students but also to educate them about animals which are an important part of our environment. “To be kind to the animals, to respect all religions but follow the best of all “ humanity is what our children must do. I also work on their team spirit and creativity, in the process of teaching them about life, critical thinking and how there’s a solution to all problems.
Vrinda’s Art Classes has branched out in other cities too, apart from the parent centre in Vasco. She runs four centres in Vasco itself, one in the city and the others at Chicalim, Dabolim and Zuarinagar. At Margao there is one centre in the heart of the city and the Panaji one is opening in 2020. The admissions to her art classes begin from the age three-and-a-half years and above and there are even special kids. Though Vrinda is not trained to cater to special kids, she admits that showering of love makes one win. “I am able to teach them easily. And I believe in offering an opportunity to the marginalized kids too, to learn and enjoy art,” she smiles. Currently there are six kids who learn free.
Vrinda recalls holding exhibitions to give platform to showcase the art of her students, which is similar to personality development. “Children learn to work in a team and excel not just for themselves but for the entire team. When I started for a cause, first it was for an orphanage - making the kids realise how privileged they are and why they should respect their parents and be thankful for everything,” says Vrinda.
Next was for an old age home. Here Vrinda tried to teach the kids that it is not the right place for old people. “Basically I wanted them to realise how grandparents complete a family and at the same time I wanted to get some donations for the old age home,” maintains the compassionate artist.
Her third experiment was making the kids a better human being. “This time it is for animals. And at each of these exhibition whatever sales we do, it’s basically the kids who are earning and I teach them to donate 10 percent of this amount for these cause. This way they will learn to give and share,” states Vrinda who gets calls when people see an animal in distress. She then tries and gets help. Going beyond her job as an art teacher, Vrinda has taught the children many ways of helping those in distress. Now the kids notice the strays and know that they too have life. They don’t hurt the animals, instead feed them, or keep water. Some adopted stray pups as pets. They feel for even cows and bulls because Vrinda herself takes care of her strays and cattle. There are shelter homes run by PFA Vasco and Dhyan Foundation that help her in this journey. There’s a Facebook group called Pet Life where messages can be dropped for rescuers, who come and help.
Vrinda’s efforts do not go waste. She is doing a wonderful job by training young generation to be kind, loving and compassionate, towards animals. Apart from teaching different art forms, she also transforms them into good human beings. The children become more understanding and learn to respect humans, animals, plants and birds. The develop patience in doing any activity. They become kind with animals and care for them. “My child is able to express her ideas through art and therefore is very happy to participate in anything related to drawing,” says a happy parent. Another saw positive changes happening in her child.
“My daughter Abigail loves animals. I recall her sharing a story of puppies she found along with Vrinda. Abigail went on to click photos and together with a group of kids, her teacher was able to get two of those puppies adopted. This has left a lasting impression on my child and upped her love and determination to protect animals. I sincerely hope that this exhibition ‘Art for a Cause for Animals would spread the message it intends to,” wished another parent.
