Sr citizens turn a new chapter with Madhubani workshop

Bhopal: A 10-day Madhubani painting workshop, organised at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, saw the participation from people of all age groups, especially senior citizens with a zeal to learn something new. Madhubani artists from Mithilanchal region of Bihar, Sheetal Devi Jha and Alka Devi Jha are the chief instructors at the workshop.

The two artists are relatives of famous Madhubani artist Bahvein Jha.

Shakuntala Sharma, 72, who has enrolled for the workshop, said, “I come here to attend almost all the art workshops that are organised at the museum. It gives me pleasure to learn something new and helps me spend time in creative ways, making something beautiful.”

Suhas Bohle, a homemaker, is thrilled to learn this art. She has already dabbled in paintings like Gond, Bhil, Mandala and clay-modelling. "I have an urge to learn more of the art forms. This workshop is an amazing opportunity for me and I find it as a source of relaxation. It makes me happy."

Rakesh Shrivastava, 60, a retired senior branch manager, LIC, is attending this workshop for the sixth time and brimming with excitement. He says, "Age is no bar for learning art. I am also looking forward to learn music and variety of art form. Pursuing art was a lifelong dream of mine and when I thought that I had fulfilled all my responsibilities, I started pursuing my passion."

Organizer, Lalit Bagul, a senior artist at IGRMS, said, "The participants are very enthusiastic. It seems this thrill and joy will stay till the end. Through this workshop, Madhubani painting is getting revived, and also interested people are getting chance to come across its beauty and significance."