PROPOSAL
Empowering Visually
Impaired Girls Through Art
why this project?
In search of that answer, I once blindfolded myself and painted in a dark room. I let go of the visual and leaned into sound, texture, memory, and emotion. What emerged wasn’t just a painting—it was a raw, instinctive outpouring of feeling. It was in that darkness that I discovered a new kind of vision—one that transcends the eyes. That moment lingered with me, quietly urging me toward something greater.
Months later, during a conversation about my Braille project with writer and artist Saaz Aggarwal, I was introduced to Sakina Bedi. I reached out, hoping for some guidance, and she graciously welcomed me to the Jagruti School for Blind Girls.
Months later, during a conversation about my Braille project with writer and artist Saaz Aggarwal, I was introduced to Sakina Bedi. I reached out, hoping for some guidance, and she graciously welcomed me to the Jagruti School for Blind Girls.
Art for Everyone
We invite the Rotary Club to support a deeply transformative initiative—an inclusive art education and mentorship program for the visually impaired girls of Jagruti School for Blind Girls.
This program is not just about learning art. It’s about discovering a voice without sight, about feeling one’s way into creativity, and about nurturing confidence in young girls who are often told the world of colour and form is not for them.
Through guided mentorship and sensory-based art-making, we will help these students explore abstract expressionism—a form of art that transcends sight—and culminate the program with a public fundraising exhibition in Pune. The proceeds will directly support the school’s growth and help continue mentorship for the girls.
Guided by artists trained in inclusive practices, students will explore key principles and elements of art—such as texture, rhythm, balance, movement, contrast, and form—in ways that are intuitive and accessible. This is not about replicating what others see. It’s about owning their story, their way—through art that is felt, not seen.
This program is not just about learning art. It’s about discovering a voice without sight, about feeling one’s way into creativity, and about nurturing confidence in young girls who are often told the world of colour and form is not for them.
Through guided mentorship and sensory-based art-making, we will help these students explore abstract expressionism—a form of art that transcends sight—and culminate the program with a public fundraising exhibition in Pune. The proceeds will directly support the school’s growth and help continue mentorship for the girls.
Empowerment Through Art
To provide blind and partially blind girls a space to express themselves, to be seen, heard, and felt—not for what they lack, but for what they uniquely bring to the canvas.
Skill Building & Emotional Expression
To introduce abstract expressionism tailored to their sensory world, helping them build tactile, storytelling, and conceptual art skills.
Mentorship & Confidence Building
To train teachers and volunteers who will guide the girls through individualised sessions, helping them connect with their inner creative voice.
Community Engagement & Fundraising
To host an art exhibition that celebrates their artworks as more than visual pieces—as stories, textures, feelings, and lived experiences. Proceeds will support the school’s educational resources and infrastructure.
Program Details
Start Date: June 2025
Schedule: Every Saturday for 2 months
Location: Jagruti School for Blind Girls, Pune
Age Group: 2nd to 8th Grade
Participants: Partially blind and fully blind girls
Resources Provided: Art materials, guided mentorship, and training sessions at the school
Guiding Art Without Sight
For Partially Blind Students
- Tactile Painting & Textured Art – Using raised surfaces to guide touch-based painting.
- Contrast & Colour Awareness – Teaching colour with high contrast materials to engage limited vision.
- Clay & Mixed Media – Sculpting forms they can feel, shape, and narrate.
For Fully Blind Students
- Sensory-Based Abstract Expression – Associating emotions, textures, and sounds to shape artwork.
- Embossed & Mixed Media Techniques – Creating raised patterns and layers they can experience through touch.
- Narrative Art – Telling stories using voice notes, textures, and word labels to describe what they’ve created.
This is not just about creating artwork. It’s about discovering the language of touch, sound, memory, and imagination—proving that art is not meant to be seen, it’s meant to be felt.
The Fundraising Art Exhibition
At the end of the program, the girls’ artworks will be displayed in a heartwarming public exhibition.
Event Highlights
- Student Art Showcase & Sales – Guests can purchase artworks, with all proceeds going to the school.
- Rotary Recognition – Celebrating your support in making this vision possible.
- Community Awareness – Shining a light on the talents and stories of visually impaired girls who are often overlooked.
How the Rotary Club Can Help
We seek your partnership to bring this vision to life through:
- 💸 Financial Sponsorship – Support for art materials, mentorship costs, and exhibition setup.
- 🙌 Volunteer Participation – Rotary members are welcome to join as mentors, facilitators, or event hosts.
- 📣 Publicity & Outreach – Help us spread the word, bring in art lovers, and raise vital funds through the sale of these powerful artworks.
Why This Matters
This initiative aligns with Rotary’s mission to uplift through education, equity, and empowerment.
By supporting this program, you’re not only helping visually impaired girls learn art—you’re helping them step into confidence, claim their voice, and transform their lives through creativity.