CHENNAI: They say that when you are challenged in one way, you are blessed with other unique avenues that eventually become your strength. This idea came to life on Thursday morning at Courtyard by Marriott, as 26 leprosy affected students from Bindu Art School came together with some of their favourite paintings. Courtyard by Marriott, as a part of its celebrations of Associate Appreciation Week to pay tribute to all associates, had brought together these students this year. “Marriott International celebrates Associate Appreciation Week every year across 3,200 properties with the participation of three lakh associates. This week provides us an opportunity to recognise our associates and the service they have provided. Leprosy has a social stigma attached to it and we wanted to make these students feel that they are an important part of the society," said Karan Berry, General Manager, Courtyard by Mariott, Chennai.
No number of laws or speeches on leprosy and how it is a social stigma, would have the same impact that this initiative has had. Because people can speak a lot, but going out and doing something is important. I want this message to reach every nook and corner of India. There are no art teachers for these people. They just sit by themselves in meditation every day and draw out the ideas they get. We just gave them a set of five colours and these paintings are a result of those. They also get a monthly stipend from their art. We call this concept ‘give and take’", said Padma Venkatraman, Founder, Bindu Art School.
The school houses leprosy affected students aged between 50 and 70 years. Two students, Rani and Udayakumar, spoke about how art had changed their lives forever.
“We got to visit places like Kolkatta, Delhi and Vienna, to exhibit our works. We could have never imagined this happening. Earlier, even the tea shop man would refuse to give us tea. We could not even stand outside big hotels like this. Now, our dedication to art is paying off,” they said. The art works were on display and sale at the Marriott through Thursday.
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