Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Apr 16: Artistes Forum, Udupi, paid tributes to Leonardo Da Vinci and celebrated ‘World Art Day’ with colourful paints and brushes at District Bastille Kajarguttu of Hiriyadka on Wednesday April 15 along with convicts of Hiriyadka jail.
P V Bhandary, director, Dr AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi, spoke after the formal inauguration and said that there is a relationship between art and mental illness. He spoke of artist Vincent van Gogh, and describing his achievement said, “Painting and drawing are good tools for mind refreshment.”
The programme was organized with the support of G Shankar Family Trust Ambalpady.
Bhandary opined that a majority of the convicts lived in the midst of society. He has visited the prison quite a few times to train the prisoners. “Developing new habits and skills like painting, drawing, and writing, positive thoughts will help change intellectual power,” said Bhandary.
He mentioned a few tips to reduce stress and depression such as exercise, Yoga, Surya Namaskara, and meditation. Addressing the convicts, he said, “Don’t compare yourself with other people; don’t have expectations. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future,” he said and suggested that they try to achieve periodic goals.
Hundreds of convicts participated in the event. Vidyananda Shetty, a prisoner of Central jail Mysore, who is serving a life term for murder said, “I don’t have any idea about life imprisonment and I got a legal order from the High Court in 2001. Now, I realize the truth. In 2006, I joined Rangayan Theatre team and have been acting since nine years. No one should go to jail, not even my enemy. It has a negative connotation in society.”
Eminent artist Sachin Jaltare from Hyderabad drew an oil painting while Venki Palimar made clay show pieces. Various colourful paintings, tattoos, and cartoons by Jeevan Shetty were exhibited on the occasion.
Shridhar Prabhu, jail in-charge, was present at the event. Purushottam Adve, president of the Forum, Saku Panagala, secretary, Ganesh Kukkehalli, and Manjunathaiah were among those present.