Fighting disease — colourfully

“He’s strong and really intelligent,” says Dr S.R. Apte, lecturer in Occupational Therapy and Co-ordinator of Cerebral Palsy Group at B.M. Institute of Mental Health, Ashram Road, rather fondly. “With the kind of limitations he has, it would have been impossible for anyone in this world to accomplish what he has”.

His effort is childish but monumental. Of the 30 sketches, five are oil paintings. “I was reluctant to give him oil paints, but his parents insisted. They have tremendous faith in him,” says Apte, recalling how he felt Chirag would not be able to handle the rather messy medium.

The paintings are a reflection of his strength more than his artistic imagination. It’s not easy for the cerebral palsied to do anything that involves muscular activity. Someone has to place a sketch pen between Chirag’s fingers, then with the support of the wall he bends down, using his knees as a fulcrum to draw something. The strokes are slow and painful but deliberate and purposeful.

Though his work is full of childish imagination — trees, grass, houses — there are some that make poignant, political statements. On 50 years of Indian independence, Chirag drew the Indian flag but replaced the Ashok Chakra with a wheel chair! Another touching painting shows green grass, clouds and a rainbow but somehow the colours of the rainbow get reflected on the umbrella.

“There is no denying that he is intelligent,” reiterates Apte, who has been overseeing Chirag’s progress at the institute here since the last eight years. “He does sums involving lakhs without using the calculator. He even uses a special toy electronic typewriter to write his name, his parents’ name and where he lives.” He can go on up to a paragraph. Then he gets tired.

Explaining Chirag’s conditions Apte asserts firmly that the cerebral palsied are not “mad” as people believe. Just that the area of the brain controlling muscular activity is damaged, making them lose control of their body movements. But their intelligence can remain intact. In fact, nearly 60 per cent of children suffering from cerebral palsy have `normal intelligence’; a few have even completed graduation from reputed universities.

But by any standards Chirag is exceptional. But the credit also goes to his parents Hasmukh Shah and Indiraben Shah who have stood by him through all his travails. And they will be the proudest when people will appreciate Chirag’s efforts that will be exhibited at the Karnavati Art Gallery, Ellis Bridge here. As for Chirag, he will go on teasing fate, playing truant with destiny. And defeating them.

Chirag, Tujhe Salaam.