(WRITER - AAKASH )

Day 1: Embarking on the Journey

As the sun rose over Kaaya, participants from far and wide gathered, their hearts eager and minds open. Artist Jagmohan Bangani, a mentor of wisdom in the art, introduced us to Mr. Subhash Rawat, a luminary in theatre and the art of creativity. With his guidance, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. The day unfolded with mentor Jagmohan Bangani leading a masterful session on "Canvas Stretching," imparting not just technical expertise but a philosophy of craftsmanship. Each participant, with careful hands and inspired hearts, stretched their canvas—a canvas not just of cloth, but of possibilities. As twilight descended, we gathered for a dinner under the stars, serenaded by melodies that echoed the spirit of creation itself, forging bonds of camaraderie and joy.

Day 2: Sketches of Dreams

With the dawn, we nourished our bodies and souls, sharing the rough contours of our dreams with Jagmohan Bangani. With his seasoned eye and gentle guidance, he shaped our visions into tangible plans. As the day progressed, Pencils pirouetted on canvases, translating aspirations into strokes of color and form. Amidst this creative fervor, we found solace and inspiration in the cool embrace of the swimming pool, where reflections shimmered like the thoughts taking shape within us.

Day 3: The Alchemy of Art

The workshop hummed with focused energy as each participant delved deeper into their journey of artistic exploration Mr. Bharat Bhandari's (artist) arrival brought a wave of passion to the space, underscoring the timeless appeal of artistic endeavor. As dusk settled in, Jagmohan Bangani and Punam Sharma, founding members of BAF, spun tales of their artistic journeys, weaving narratives that mirrored the intricate depths of their creations.

Day 4: Layers of Experience

Under artist Jagmohan Bangani's unwavering mentorship, our paintings continued to unfold, each brushstroke telling a story of our evolving narratives. Throughout the day, his tales of life in distant lands reverberated, enriching our works with a mosaic of experiences—from London's bustling streets to Iceland's tranquil landscapes. His personal journey, from the quiet village of Uttarakhand (Mounda Bangan) to the relentless pace and endless streets of metropolitan Delhi, mirrored in our artistic endeavors

Day 5: Vision Unveiled

With renewed enthusiasm after breakfast, mentor Jagmohan Bangani introduced us to Mr. Santosh Passi, the director of Kaaya Learning Centre in Dehradun, unveiling Kaaya's profound vision. Inspired by this revelation, we once again immersed ourselves in our artistic pursuits. As dusk settled over the art studio's captivating architecture, the core team of the foundation—Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, and myself, Aakash—illuminated our individual paths through a blend of visuals and narratives. Each of us presented a slideshow detailing our artistic journeys to the participants, enriching the evening with personal insights and shared passion for art.

Day 6: The Culmination

As the morning light emerged, we delicately applied the finishing touches to our creations, each brushstroke reflecting deep introspection and unwavering determination. By afternoon, the workshop halls had metamorphosed into a gallery of aspirations, where we meticulously curated our stories for public admiration. With dusk's arrival, guests streamed in, drawn by the irresistible allure of creativity. Jagmohan Bangani's visionary outlook for the Bangani Art Foundation resonated throughout the space, underscoring the transformative potential of collective creativity. The atmosphere swelled with joyous laughter and applause as participants were honored with well-deserved certificates, a harmonious tribute to their artistic accomplishments.

Day 7: Homeward Bound

With hearts full of memories and canvases brimming with stories, we bid farewell to Kaaya. Each step homeward carried echoes of laughter, lessons learned, and friendships forged. The workshop had drawn to a close, but its spirit lingered—an evidence of art's enduring impact in guiding and enlightening our journeys through life.

The Padav Art Mentoring Program 2024 (Cohort 2), organized by the Bangani Art Foundation in collaboration with the Kaaya Learning Centre, took place from June 5th to 10th, 2024, at the Kaaya Learning Centre in Dehradun.

Applications for this esteemed program were submitted in April, and a panel of five jurors selected twenty fellows to participate. Under the expert guidance of mentors Jagmohan Bangani and Punam Sharma, the fellows engaged in the creation of their artworks.

The program featured a compelling slide presentation showcasing the artistic journeys of several distinguished artists, including Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, and Aakash, all emerging talents from Uttarakhand. Culminating in an exhibition, the event displayed the impressive works produced during the mentoring program. This exhibition attracted numerous art connoisseurs who praised the fellows' creative accomplishments.

The program provided an enriching and memorable experience for all involved.