“Before a child talks, they sing. 

Before they write, they draw. 

As soon as they stand, they dance. 

ART is fundamental to human expression”

Phylicia Rashad

I’ll let you in on an inside joke: my close friend still calls me ‘art deranged’, and I secretly love it. Not because I’m a great artist, but because the idea of creating and sharing art brings me immense joy.

As a child, my parents worked long hours, so weekends were filled with classes — art, dance, singing, and more. While I didn’t last long in any of those classes, I believe that’s where my fascination with the arts began.

Coming from a culture that values classical music, Bhupen Hazarika’s songs, and traditional dance, cultivating this appreciation was natural. Most people from my background have an emotional connection to some art form.

Despite the backdrop and every sordid detail I’ve shared, the arts have been a constant in my life, making my memories more vibrant.

Reflecting on Artistic Experiences

As an adult, I now reflect on those early experiences and measure them against my current skills. Many of my fondest — if slightly embarrassing — school memories are tied to music. My closest friendships blossomed through our shared love for art and cultural events.

Here at NalandaWay, I’ve bonded with colleagues over stickers and artworks we’ve created together, blending our talents like colours in a sunset. Soaking up the knowledge and perspectives of those who are better artists brings me immense joy.

When I ask myself what connects me to the arts, I sometimes feel like an accomplished artist who has achieved accolades. While that’s not necessarily true, I still consider myself an artist. My work may not compare to renowned figures, but the beauty of my art lies in my perception as a beholder. This sentiment rings true for all of us.

A Shift in Perspective

If you had caught me a few years ago in college, you wouldn’t have been able to convince me of the arts’ power. Although I felt their impact, I lacked the words to articulate my experiences. Now, working in an art-based organisation that uses art as an intervention for at-risk children, I feel a deep emotional connection.

A recent experience resonated with me while I was helping the Delhi Children’s Choir (DCC) with auditions in schools. The DCC provides free musical training at the Kalakriti Centre in Tigri. A group of girls who had already auditioned wanted to try again and followed us from class to class. They eagerly waited after school, even when other students had gone, desperate for another chance to audition. In that moment, I felt their joy.

Similarly, during the Kalakriti Art Festival at a school in Ambedkar Nagar, the excitement of the children as they played with clay and created music with maracas made from bottles full of stones was something to behold.

How Art Empowers

In my year at NalandaWay Foundation, I’ve had numerous opportunities to interact with children, and art has been crucial in their learning and well-being. I’ve seen both children and adults transform through the magic of the arts. During my visits as project support across the Gutar Goo training for Anganwadi workers and their helpers in Noida, I witnessed many women using art to express their emotions and anxieties about their work.

I’ve also seen the team use art-based methods to help Anganwadi workers improve their mental health, teaching them how to incorporate art as pedagogy and effective Teaching Learning Material in their centres. While my project requirements limited my field role, the experiences I’ve gathered have shown me how art can change lives.

Witnessing Artistic Expression

As a Projects Associate, I’ve witnessed children powerfully express themselves through art, sometimes tackling larger social issues. In teacher workshops, you can see the confidence and joy that art-based curricula bring to educators, allowing them to explore their creativity as part of the Delhi Arts Curriculum project.

Younger children’s excitement for art is undeniable. For adolescents, art fosters social engagement and allows them to address critical social issues, like menstruation and its associated taboos. Even in areas where I didn’t experience daily project operations directly, I felt the impact through my colleagues’ stories, highlighting the value of the arts as a means of empowerment.

My experience with the Sakhi girls from SSMI School in Punjabi Bagh will always be etched in my memory. I often think about our first discussion, where we gave the girls complete freedom to suggest and explore topics for their musical theatre performance. They began with the concept of being a girl or woman in society, branching out into various aspects of the ‘woman’ experience.

Navigating Complex Conversations

The discussions covered a range of topics:

Many young girls were excited about these discussions, while some were understandably apprehensive. However, over time, I could see the change in their attitudes. For instance, during practice sessions, a girl who was shy about using a prop as a bloodstain gained confidence with the encouragement of her peers. They reminded her that it was normal and not something to be ashamed of, which was a powerful transformation.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

I feel fortunate to have witnessed such positive peer relationships among the girls through this project. Their performance was immersive and impactful, addressing the concept of menstruation and questioning women’s roles in society. They explored the pressures on women to behave, dress, and speak in certain ways while celebrating the achievements of women in various fields. The joy they shared during the performance was palpable, making it an unforgettable experience.

Across all our projects, it’s clear that art serves as an effective intervention for both children and adults, positively impacting their lives and focusing on the development of social and emotional learning (SEL) skills.

I’m fortunate to work in an environment that allows me to push the limits of my creativity while basking in the talents of those around me. The arts have enriched my life, and I remain grateful for every opportunity to share in its magic.

Written by Riya H. Riya is a part of the Marketing and Communications team at NalandaWay Foundation where she also contributes to the project implementation across Delhi. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Delhi School of Social Work.