Celebrating Gandhiji’s legacy through art and creativity

 An event that that honours Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and tolerance, inspiring young minds to express his values through art.

All true art must help the soul to realize its inner self 

- Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi, though not an artist himself, had a profound connection with art, viewing it as a medium for expressing deeper truths and moral values. He believed that art should serve humanity and reflect simplicity, truth, and beauty - principles he upheld in his life. Gandhiji’s use of the charkha (spinning wheel) symbolized self-reliance and was itself a form of artistic expression, blending craft and ideology. He also inspired artists across various mediums, from painting to literature, who depicted his vision of non-violence, social justice, and human dignity in their works.

Glimpses from the event

It was in the backdrop of such visions of the Father of the Nation that, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, Velammal Knowledge Park (VKP), a renowned educational institution in Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with its creative arm, the Chitravathi Centre for Creativity (CCC), hosted a special event to honour the life and contributions of Mahatma Gandhi. The event, held in partnership with VR Mall Chennai, featured a painting competition, a Gandhi-themed cartoon drawing session, and a live caricature show.

Glimpses from the event

The painting competition, open to students across five age categories, centred on Mahatma Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to non-violence, respect for nature, and his broader ideals of tolerance and humanity. Over 100 students from various parts of Chennai enthusiastically participated, creating vibrant artworks that reflected their interpretations of Gandhiji’s life and philosophy. 

Glimpses from the event

Complementing the painting competition was the Gandhi cartoon drawing and live caricature session, in which four well-known cartoonists - E.P. Peter, Sajeev Sooranad, Naushad Ali, and Manoj Mathasseril - associated with the Kerala Cartoon Academy, engaged with visitors by creating live caricatures and cartoons inspired by Gandhi’s vision. The interactive nature of the session offered participants a unique opportunity to experience art firsthand, while the live creations added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Live caricature drawing 

Glimpses from the event

 

Renowned visual artist Murali Cheeroth, Creative Director of the Velammal Art Programme and Chairperson of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Velammal Knowledge Park consistently strives for innovation, and this event was designed to honour Mahatma Gandhi as a lasting symbol of non-violence, tolerance, and humanity, while encouraging students to creatively express their interpretations of Gandhiji.” He also emphasized the importance of spaces like VR Mall in promoting art and culture within the public sphere, making them accessible to a wider audience.

VR Mall Chennai has emerged as a significant cultural hub, seamlessly integrating art into public spaces, said the organisers. With its tradition of hosting annual art shows and supporting various creative initiatives, the mall has become an exemplary venue for promoting art and culture in everyday life. By offering a platform for events such as the Gandhi Jayanthi painting competition and live caricature show, VR Mall demonstrates its commitment to fostering community engagement through artistic expression, they added. Its collaboration with institutions like Velammal Knowledge Park highlights the mall’s role in making art accessible to the public, enhancing cultural appreciation, and reinforcing the idea that public spaces can serve as vibrant centres of creativity and learning.

Ms. Surekha – Associate Director, VKP and Mr. Murali Cheeroth - Creative Director of Velammal Art Programme honouring Shri. Sovan Kumar

During a special function held in the afternoon, Shri. Sovan Kumar, Regional Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi, presented awards to the winners of the painting competition. Following the event, the venue displayed a collection of student-created paintings and caricatures, allowing visitors to appreciate the creativity and talent showcased throughout the event.

Winners in a mood of celebration 

VKP expressed its commitment to instilling Gandhiji’s values of tolerance, diversity, and ecological consciousness in its students - principles that remain deeply rooted in India’s identity. The collaboration with VR Mall Chennai further enhanced the reach of the event, enabling the broader public to engage with these messages.
The event was not only a resounding success in fostering artistic expression but also in raising public awareness about the continued relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals in modern times. The involvement of Chitravathi and Ology, VKP’s creative arms, underscored the institution's dedication to integrating art into education. As Murali Cheeroth aptly noted, art in public spaces helps bridge the gap between culture and society, making it accessible to all.

The venue

Velammal Knowledge Park and the Chitravathi Centre for Creativity look forward to organizing more such programmes in the future, emphasizing the multidimensional development of students through art, said the organisers. By nurturing natural flair, chiselling imagination, and transforming it into realistic expressions, VKP and CCC continue to cultivate the cognitive, creative, social, and emotional skills of young learners.