Adding meaning to their lives despite odds

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 8

Displaying indomitable spirit, two young boys, one with down syndrome and the other with autism, have chosen to lead their lives purposefully. Adding meaning to their lives is their chosen vocation – Vandit is a pottery artisan and Bisman Singh is an artist.

The 22-year-old Vandit exhibited his work “Just Clay” at Artmosphere Gallery in the city on Saturday and Sunday. The introduction to his exhibition reads: “Handcrafted with love, a venture of Vandit, an adult with Down Syndrome.” The beautifully-designed platters, bowls drew appreciation from the visitors. “As the pieces are handcrafted, each of these is unique.

No two pieces are alike,” said Vandit’s mother Preeti Jain. As a parent, her journey of love and understanding started 20 years ago. “My main concern has been that he should be productive and that he has to have his identity,” she added.

For 15-year-old Bisman Singh who is autistic, painting is the medium through which he expresses himself. His father Parampreet Singh, while explaining his son’s art work, said: “Bisman paints whatever catches fancy of his imagination. Some of the paintings are his imagination, while others are a copy of a painting or an art work. One cannot and should not force anything on such youngsters.”

Ashirwad, a rehabilitation centre-cum-special school for children with autism, cerebral palsy and down syndrome in Ludhiana, has played a significant role in honing Bisman’s talent. Parampreet Singh gives the credit to Dr Neelam Sodhi and the art teacher at Ashirwad. “Both have played a significant role in encouraging my son to express his creativity through painting. Incidentally, his art teacher is hearing impaired,” he said.