A big “Q” was before me. Who would be the best persons to
judge these entries? It was necessary to understand the concept of the
competition by them, otherwise again the same questions of age, state, genders
etc will arrive. A big list was there carrying big names. I had chosen two
names- Mr. Subodh Poddar and Ms. Sarita Chauhan.
Subodh was a creative Director with a leading Advertisement
Company. He is a very good artist, not in the field of painting, but he had learnt
Odishi dance to create his own genre “Dance Scapes”, where dancers dance and he
paints the Bhavas and Mudras of dancers. It’s an experience to
see it. I was one of the luckiest to see his heart stealing program of “Dance
Scapes”. He had done several shows of it along with
almost all leading dancers of India and abroad. On my request, he had done a
show for AVITOKO’s Annual program also. Subodh is a very kind hearted person. I
know him from the day; I arrived in Mumbai, where he helped me selflessly to
complete my assignments, given to me by Ms. Mrinal Pandey, the then editor of “Saptahik
Hindustan”, a weekly magazine of Hindustan Times group.
Sarita Chauhan is a Delhi based self taught artist. She had had
several group and solo shows in Delhi and other cities of India. In late twenties,
she had shifted Mumbai along with his family. She is a very down to earth
person. She was kind enough to take few classes during AVITOKO’s Art Workshops.
She had given her services to other NGOs also.
We invited them and elaborated the concept and objectives of
the competition. They were thrilled to see the entries. But it was a little
difficult for them also to digest the concept. They just screamed, “Are you
mad?”
I said, “Perhaps. Madness only can create a new world.” They
smiled.
Evaluation was started. First elimination round was done. That
was not a big task. Anyone can do it. Second elimination round was also done. It
was a little difficult, but not a big deal. Now, third and final round! I was nervous.
It’s time for real challenge. Whether I would be successful with my objectives
to conduct this competition in open category? Really, there were entries from
45 years old grownups to 4 years child. All were in open category. Participants
had shown their faith to this event.
I was seeing judges procedure. Both Subodh and Sarita were very
seriously evaluating entries. Select
entries were there. Tug of war was between two entries- Which one should be
declared as First? Each and every aspect of the paintings was being discussed
by both of them. Sarita was thinking for one painting and Subodh was stick on
another. It was also explored that whether both should be declared as First?” They
asked me. I very humbly said that “I don’t believe in lottery system. You both
are great artists. Please have a new and fresh look for them and decide only
one entry for First Prize.”
“Then first, we will have tea.” Subodh broke the tensed
atmosphere. We all smiled. Hot tea was served to everyone. After the tea, again
both works of art were examined by both of them. Finally, Subodh convinced
Sarita about his decision. He explained about his choice of entry with all
valid reasons. Sarita nodded her head. I was told about the decision- “This
entry will go for first prize.”
Second, third and consolation prizes did not take much time.
There was one more painting, kept aside
by the judges. Subodh took this entry and said, “With your permission, I would
like to give judge’s special prize to this entry. Sarita, do you agree with me?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” Sarita said.
Subodh turned to my side, “How about you?”
I was thinking about the fund. We, at AVITOKO were working
without fund. Like mind people were there, who used to help us as and when
needs arise. Subodh perhaps got my hesitation. He immediately declared –“And
prize amount would be given by me…..I just can’t leave this painting as it is
catching my attention from the beginning.”
All entries initially had been given with their numbers
only. Names and other information were hidden. After declaration, envelops of
names were open. We all just screamed- “O my God!” The first prize winner was
really a four year old child from National School of Clean City, Mumbai. Second
prize winner was a man. He had attached his photo also along with his entry, and
in his photo, he was looking like 40-45 years old. I said Subodh, “See the
result of my madness. Art and talent do not see the boundaries of any
limitation. I am happy that my belief is saved.”
It was one more time to scream. Entry, which won the judge’s
special prize was of a jail inmate, whose painting was sent for this open category
competition by the authority of Thane Central Jail. I smiled but tears came in
my eyes. Subodh hugged me and Sarita took me in her lap. ….(Contd.)
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