Calligraphy means life for him

Anukampa Sharma

Amritsar, July 15

At a time when the use of keyboards and touchpads is increasing, city-based Sanjay Kumar, a 45-year-old art and craft teacher, has been working consistently to preserve the ancient art of calligraphy.

The word calligraphy originates from a combination of Greek words which connote ‘art of beautiful writing’. It is being practiced by surprising numbers of people throughout the world.

Talking about the role the calligraphy played in his life, he says, “It has granted me recognition far and wide, giving me a unique identity. A lot of people praise my work which exhibits the place it still holds in the hearts of many.”

A few of the recent occasions where he exhibited his skills include the recent visit of Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. He also wrote invitation for an Urdu poetry festival to veteran actress Shabana Azmi. In addition, he has participated in several calligraphy contests on both district and state level and also hosted city-level calligraphy competitions.

He also shared about the meaning of calligraphy for him. “Calligraphy gives a distinct identity to your written work. It can only be practiced if a person has an accurate writing posture and enough patience. Through calligraphy, one can slow down a little and learn to enjoy the little things in life which is much needed in the modern fast lifestyle.” Being able to present calligraphic work not just in English but in Hindi and Punjabi as well, he has also been teaching calligraphy to students at the Indian Academy of Fine Arts.

Sharing an anecdote, he says, “Writing has been a constant companion in my life’s journey. Not just for serious work, but also I have used it in pranks as well. When internet wasn’t available at our finger tips, I used to write fake headings and news, such as ‘Government declared extension of holidays’. My colleagues couldn’t distinguish my handwritten words from actual printed newspapers and would fall for my prank every time.”

He adds, “Often when someone sees my letters, written for official purposes, they don’t believable that the letters are handwritten and not printed. Even the posters that I design are often mistaken for printed ones and 

their authenticity is confirmed only after a close observation.”

Talking about the treatment calligraphy receives across the nation, he says, “Our country does not have the same level of appreciation for this art form as that in other nations. People do not consider it special or exceptional. This is heartbreaking. Calligraphy too is a form of art and should receive the same respect as any other art forms do.”