‘Varnasala’ is forum for art at Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha. It is a rare platform for art and culture that is exclusively committed to the creative development of the young students. They conduct art workshops and exhibitions on a regular basis. My friend Dr P B Sanish, Assistant Professor of Sanskrit; who is currently leading the forum, invited me to inaugurate the activities for the academic year 2011-12.
They organized a day long workshop cum exhibition for the young creative minds of the college. Students displayed their works. There were interesting drawings and Portraits on show. I was given the honor of inaugurating the event in the presence of the principal and other dignitaries on the morning of 23rd September 2011.
I talked about the importance of art in the contemporary society and opened the event by drawing a picture entitled “Christ-buddha” which is a combination of the images of these two historical personalities who signify ethics and change in a radical and liberating way.
In the after noon we had an engaging and active session of interaction regarding art, art education and the politics and ethics of art in a complex and changing world with the illuminating young minds. I found the students incredibly creative and active and capable of producing works of meaningful art in the future. I am grateful to them as I learn a lot from them.
I also got a chance to briefly meet my old and new friends in the college like Fr Vincent, Dr Beena, Dr Rani, Artist Chris… Let me thank the college and the organizers for inviting me to this significant creative event. I am sure that the interest and investment in culture would produce fruits in the future.