Finished bottle with glue gun circles

Thank U written with a glue gun

'Women's Day', 'Women Empowerment' sound fancy words to many. The hype and buzz at times puts me in doubt - is it just the commercialization of a very sensitive issue or is it the genuine concern of NGOs, govt. organizations and corporates because the difference is not much. Have always been of the belief that each day is my day, why restrict it to one single day or a week (it's International Women's week). 

However watching programs like Satyamev Jayate's (2nd season opening episode),  actually made me realize whatever the hype or buzz is, it's very little because our causes actually require attention and concern of the society in a bigger way. Whatever these organizations are doing is just a drop in the sea and this little effort is commendable.

And as luck would have it, Anu Kriti got a chance to add to this buzz by participating in a group Art Exhibition organized by Uchaan Group during the International Women's Week. The event has been appropriately named as Soul's Expression (6th - 9th March 2014). Each art piece is a story to tell. Honoured to have Ms. Shamina Shafiq (member of National Women's Commission opened the first episode of Satyamev Jayate) to inaugurate the event. She rightly added to the spirit of celebrating womanhood:

"The combination of women and art are one of the solutions to make this world a better place. And art takes away the feeling of being trivial and non-contributor from the psyche of a housewife and for that matter a working women. It gives a purpose, a meaning and an expression."

It has been an exhilarating experience, showcasing my work with such senior artists. More rewarding has been the association with these women of different ages coming from different walks of life on one common platform. Have been sharing experiences of life in general and our individual art styles.

More importantly celebrating WOMANHOOD! Admitting that if there is a re-birth then all of us would only want to be born as women again, agreeing that upliftment of women does not mean to weaken men's status but finding a common ground wherein we (women and men) are complementary and not competitors, enjoying the journey of being an artist and thanking the fact that a SOUL DOES NOT HAVE A GENDER!

My first blog post was an introspection - I am there, but have I arrived…

Abhi To Asli Manzil Pana Baqi Hai
Abhi To Irado Ka Imtihaan Baqi Hai
Abhi To Toli Muthi Bhar Zamin
Abhi Tolna Asman Baqi Hai  

(in words of Anurag Rishi)

Till the time my son was 4, we were like nomads! Shuttling between India and Muscat, we couldn't really have a nursery for him. Finally, when we settled in India, he got a room of his own. He was very excited and even wanted to paint the walls himself! The main wall has his favourite bright orange colour.

I looked at it for days together and thought what should go on this – something unique that belongs to him. I was split between some interesting nursery wall hangings and nursery wall art. Finally, we (my son of course), decided to do some wall art. Next I was split between jungle safari theme and a car race track! Jungle theme was plainly rejected by him, “I am not a kid anymore.” Point taken!

One day, I took out all his cars and thought of creating a race track and sticking these racing cars on the track. In there, was an aero plane, with one wing broken and a little dummy boy sitting inside. I knew what I was going to do next!

And this is what followed!

Wall hangings, paintings, wall art or wall decal, all of these give a character to your child's room, generate a sense of belonging and most importantly bring smile on your little one’s face. 

And you as parents are agog with a feeling 'Now we have EVERYTHING!'