Shyamhari Chakra
Bhubaneswar: Destiny conspired. But her dream and determination conquered. That’s the stirring saga of Sonia, a Bhubaneswar-based painter, who has been an inspiration and idol for many who are fighting disability.
Despite being speech and hearing impaired since birth, she could carve a niche for herself in the art-arena winning hearts and accolades as well.
Winner of the bronze medal at the sixth International Ablympic – Olympics for the differently abled – held in New Delhi, Sonia has earned a number of laurels for her art during her two decades old career as a professional painter. The list includes Kshyamata Award from Indian Red Cross Society, 2nd rank from National Art Competition and Anjali scholarship from Disabled People’s International.
She had the rare honour of representing her state in the All-India artists’ workshop held at Khajuraho by the South Zone Cultural Centre under the Ministry of Culture. She was one of the 20 artists selected from across the country and the lone representative from Odisha.
Daughter of a doctor, Sonia was barely four when she was detected as speech and hearing impaired. All efforts to cure her went in vain. Her parents were, however, surprised to discover later that the kid was quite passionate about drawing.
They admitted her into the school for the normal children – so that she learns to live and behave like a normal child – but took special care to nurture her artistic aptitude. Finally, she was sent to B.K. College of Art and Craft in Bhubaneswar from where she graduated and later had her masters in visual art from Utkal University of Culture.
“It was never easy for her to face the world as a child during her schooling and as a grown up girl later on in her college and university days without being able to speak or hear. But, it was her passion for her art-world that won her over all obstacles on her way,” shared her mother Santi Sudha.
The gifted artist has set up her own studio in the City where she enjoys working every day. She also takes great pride in teaching tribal students in a reputed school in the Capital.
Be it water colour, oil colour, fabric painting, acrylic, pencil sketches or even pot painting, Sonia has excelled in it all.
“A deep sense of self-esteem and determination to do something in life has helped her to tide over her physical deficiencies. She has a positive attitude that keeps her going ahead in life. While we worry over her future, she hardly thinks of anything other than her studio,” said her mother who has been her constant companion and her friend-philosopher-guide as well since she lost her father.
