Wall of Joy

Akanksha’s art project – Art for Akanksha – has given the children a platform for creative expression. In art class,the young minds let loose,shed their inhibitions and simply drown themselves in the pool of colours. When they set out on a project,the themes are pre-decided and the art is a little more structured. “At Sassoon hospital,the participating kids are all above 12 or 13 years. A couple of them will do the outline – either of lotuses or butterflies – while the others will fill in the colours,” Krishna reveals,adding,“The idea is to give the sick children something to feel good about.”

The Foundation always contributes to society in some way on Republic Day. Two years back,the children from each centre went around in their area,thanking public servants for their work and reading out a poem of gratitude to them. “It was an overwhelming gesture,both for our children as well as the policemen and others who they thanked,” Krishna says.

Recently,during the Joy of Giving Week,the children went to different places,spreading awareness about girl child education. Some even cleaned the Khadki Station,an act that impressed and moved the people of the area so much that they themselves installed dustbins there. In the ongoing production classes,the children are taught how to make paper bags,canvas bags,cards and so on.

“We value service at Akanksha. Our children have even taken their handmade paper bags and appealed to people to stop using plastic,” Krishna says,adding,“The children imbibe great values from these projects and they also understand the impact that they can make in society.” And on January 26,after devoting themselves between 12 noon an d 3 pm to sprucing up a wall in the government hospital,they will then work towards other plans of reaching out to the city,bringing in much-needed change in their own little way.