I was born into a world that many would find silent and dark. Mute and deaf from an early age, I often felt like an outsider, watching life unfold around me without the sounds or words that others took for granted. Yet, in that silence, I found a refuge—a vibrant universe of colours and textures that spoke to my soul. Art became my voice, my way of connecting with the world.
As I experimented with different mediums—oil paints, watercolours, acrylics—I discovered a profound joy in creating collages. There was something magical about piecing together fragments of paper and images to tell a story that words could never convey. My collage art blossomed, earning recognition and awards not just in India but across borders. It was as if each piece I created whispered to those who viewed it, bridging the gap between our experiences.
My journey took a significant turn when I trained in Patachitra, a traditional cloth-based scroll painting. The intricate details and mythological tales woven into this art form ignited a fire within me. I began to explore various mediums—oil painting, photography, even computer animation for Bollywood films. I’ve always believed that an artist should never confine themselves to one medium or canvas; creativity knows no boundaries.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utkal University, I gained a solid foundation in artistic techniques. My specialty lies in landscape and portrait art, particularly using a cut-paper collage technique that has brought me accolades, including first place in Art Ability’s Works on Paper category in 2007. Each award felt like a validation of my journey—a reminder that my voice could be heard through my art.
Throughout this journey, my family has been my unwavering support system. My mother has always encouraged me to chase my passion for art despite the challenges I face. My brother Siddhartha, also a deaf artist, shares this belief with me: being “disabled” does not make us inferior; it simply shapes our unique perspectives on life. We embrace our identities fully, finding strength in our differences.
Social media has opened new doors for me, allowing me to connect with the global deaf community in ways I never imagined possible. It has given me a platform to share my art and experiences, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
One of my greatest joys is teaching art workshops for youth and adults. Sharing my love for this eco-friendly technique fills me with purpose. Watching others discover their own creative voices is incredibly rewarding; it’s like passing on a torch of inspiration.
In every brushstroke and collage I create, there lies a piece of my heart—a testament to resilience and the beauty of self-expression. My journey is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about celebrating the vibrant tapestry of life that art allows us to weave together.
If you, too, have an inspiring story to tell the world, send us your story at mystory@5w1h.media
