Citygritty 8212; Pune

Joy to seeHer handicap has not deterred her from expressing her feelings of love and beauty. Aparna Deshpande, though deaf and dumb from ...

Joy to see
Her handicap has not deterred her from expressing her feelings of love and beauty. Aparna Deshpande, though deaf and dumb from birth, has found an outlet in painting. Her work is currently on display at the Kala Dalan, Camp.

Along with the oil paintings, watercolours, pencil sketches and glass paintings, there are also ceramic pots, beautifully crafted with relief designs and glitter. Fabric painting is represented by lovely cushion covers and handkerchiefs. The designs vary from figures of pixies and elves to dancing girls, floral designs and landscapes. Also on sale is stationery.

What sets them apart from the others are the little friendship motifs, in light pastels, each page holding a different motif. Deshpande is a prolific painter and has put on display numerous cards. Just the right thing for the coming festive season.

Deshpande, who hails from Mumbai, has also done a course in interior designing and has learnt Kathak from Pandit Gopi Krishna. But painting is something that she has mastered on her own. 8220;When I see something beautiful, I feel I must put it down,8221; she explains in sign language.

Perhaps it is this effervescence surrounding her which has prompted her to give her articles the brand name Joy.8217;

Medicos for moms
Taking off their surgical gowns and gloves and donning cycling gear, they pedal out their bikes on December 20 from Shaniwarwada. A local team of 14 medical practitioners set out on a cycling expedition to Hyderabad on the eve of the 42nd National Conference of Gynaecology and Obstetrics to be held there on Dec ember 25. And the motive of this trip is to promote the message of safe motherhood.

Intending to cycle 90 km per day, the doctors plan to give lectures on the subject en route, and have also roped in young volunteers who will put up skits and street plays on the theme. This expedition is one of 40 similar rallies that will be flagged off from different parts of the country. All cycling for a cause.

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Heaven within reach
Starry night. December 24. But we are not talking about Christmas Eve. This is about a star-gazing programme to be organised by Nihan Estates at Hollywood Highlands, 25 km from the city, near Pirangut. To be conducted under the aegis of well-known astronomer Arvind Paranjpye, the programme will include slide shows, discussions and sky-watching. All those fascinated by the unknown of the sky, and willing to brave the cold, this is for you.

For from a height of 3,000 ft., the scene both in front and up above is worth it all!

Craft8217;s cause
Visiting 26, Queen8217;s Garden, near the Circuit House, can be a sweet experience, for that8217;s where the last day of this unique exhibition-cum-charity sale of sugarcraft is underway. This is an art exhibition, but with a difference 8211; here, the canvas is some delicious-looking fruit cake and the medium used sugar!

Fruit cakes with intricate embroidered designs of bluebells, sunflowers and orchids as well as plaques and models, crafted by Preeti Bhatia, are on display here. Wife of Divisional Commissioner Arun Bhatia, Preeti learnt sugarcraft in South Africa and has mastered this particular skill which comprises delicate, intricate decorative work that comes about after intensive training and practice.

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And for those who want to buy these works, the good news is that the icing-topped cakes are capable of being preserved for more than six months in moisture-free conditions. Proceeds of this sale will go to the Suhrud Mandal, Pune, an organisation working for the hearing impaired. Here8217;s your chance for a sweet gesture!

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