Grass artist on a mission to empower visually impaired

Tribune News Service

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Patiala, February 18 

A 24-year-old youth, Abhishek Chauhan, also known as ‘grass artist’, is presently on a new mission of empowering the visually impaired by teaching the art to them. 

The India Book Record holder for making handicraft items from grass blindfolded, Abhishek has decided to pass on the art to the visually impaired. Learning the technique from his grandfather, he had started making handicraft from grass straws a few years ago as a hobby. However, he has now taken the art form professionally.

Abhishek said, “After making artefacts from reed grass, I thought I should do it blindfold. After initial failures, I can now do it easily.”

He said, “Before I took up teaching the blind, I made these artefacts with eyes closed as I wanted to know the difficulties a visually impaired person goes through while doing any work, especially weaving grass straws.”

Abhishek has made a jewellery set, a flower vase, a rakhi and many more items blindfold.  Talking about his journey, the 24-year-old said he had travelled across the state to learn about this dying art. Abhishek said he had to visit rural areas in Punjab to hone his skills before going public with the art form. “Earlier, people used to decorate their houses with artefacts made of grass but things have changed with time. Now I want to revive this art since it is part of our heritage. Moreover, it is an eco-friendly art form,” shared Abhishek. 

Earlier, people used to decorate their houses with artefacts made of grass but things have changed with time. Now I want to revive this art since it is part of our heritage. Moreover, it is an eco-friendly art form. — Abhishek Chauhan, Grass Artists