New Delhi, April 2024: India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, recently hosted an art exhibition titled, ‘IKIGAI’ – a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose and living. The exhibition that was held from April 1 to April 4, by the Shree Yash Art Gallery, was an attempt to raise funds for the new stadium for Special Olympics Bharat located in Daulatabad in Haryana. Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) is an organisation recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India as a National Sports Federation for the development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. It is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.
The art exhibition, IKIGAI, was based on the theme of nature and spirituality, and the highlight of the exhibition was the artwork on display by 10 years-old Pranav Aggarwal, a Haryana roller skater with Down Syndrome, and associated with Special Olympics Bharat, contributed to the art exhibition by displaying 4-5 of his beautiful artwork pieces – a pleasing mix of colours, including his favourite blue. Encouraged by his parents and his brother Lakshaye, he takes anything between 5 hours to 5 days in completing one piece, with adequate breaks in between. A segment of the exhibition was dedicated to 3-4 artists more artists with Intellectual Disability, showcasing their eye-catching talent.
Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, said, “I want to thank Shree Yash Art Gallery and everyone present here not just to support our special athletes, but also for their help in raising funds for the new stadium in Haryana. This exhibition is yet another platform for our athletes to showcase their other talents. Pranav is a roller-skater who has also been able to display his artistic talent through this initiative. I am extremely happy to be here today as part of this programme which is another step towards making our special children feel accepted and welcomed in society.”
In the words of Ms. Savita Agarwal, founder of Shree Yash Art Gallery, the exhibition is themed around nature and the presence of God. “In our fast-paced life we need to pause and build the calm within. Something that dwells in children with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. Raising funds for the Special Olympics stadium appealed to me as it would be carrying out the phenomenal work of enabling the development and inclusion of Divyangjan (People of God). This exhibition is carving yet another path for connecting them with the society through another of their talents, which is outside the field of sports,” she said.
About Special Olympics Bharat
Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation accredited by Special Olympics Inc. USA, to conduct sports and development programs all over India. Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Bharat is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India as a National Sports Federation for the development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. It is incumbent to inform that Special Olympics and Paralympics are separate entities wherein the former reaches out to Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and, the latter to those with physical challenges. SO Bharat has over 1.5 million Athletes registered across all the States and Union Territories of India.
About Shree Yash Art Gallery
An Art Gallery exhibiting Art of various artists depicting culture and unique art forms.
