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| Savitha Hira addressing the gathering at Pradarshak |
Savitha Hira - Proprietor, Gallery Pradarshak addressed the august gathering of patrons, artists and friends.
Her address: “Respected
elders and dear friends,
Hand-holding
is an integral and natural part of life’s journey. We do not - cannot - live in
isolation. On the same note, is the theme for today’s celebration. ‘In togetherness, we blossom.’
It
has been a long journey of 20 years but frankly it doesn’t feel so. What
started as a passion for art and a simple thought of providing a platform for
upcoming artists soon began to grow and burgeon into a full-fledged
responsibility. A two-fold responsibility – one towards the artists, who have
been coming from all walks of life – from the interiors of Maharashtra,
aspiring to get a break into this glamour-filled world of fine art. Artists,
who have been hesitant to speak up for themselves, naive, humble and have
relied wholly on us to take them forward. And secondly, the responsibility
towards the art lovers. Several art lovers have reposed their trust in us to
choose the right work of art for their homes, offices. Whenever a purchase is
to be made, Pradarshak is the sole stop. We’ve furnished complete homes,
offices and the growing trust has enhanced our commitment. In togetherness, we have blossomed.
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| Token of Appreciation to the guests |
“A
child gives birth to a mother” says the sculpture at the juncture of Bandra-
Mahim crossing. An infant’s clasp around his mother’s finger is the first sign
that he needs her – seeks her reassurance, security, reinforcement. We – the
gallery - you all, our artists and – you, our patrons. At several points in
time, we’ve mothered our artists; at times our clients have mothered us. The
roles have been alternating and mutually fortifying. In togetherness, we have
blossomed.
I
cannot go away from here without our thank yous’ My husband Lalit & I thank
each and everyone, those of you present here and all those hundreds, who are
not here today; for making today possible. From the first person, who led us to
an artist, the first artist who wanted to be a part of the gallery, the first
artist, who wanted to show solo at the gallery, first buyer, first architect,
who flagged off the gallery’s signature Art Program Service to those, who
continue to whole heartedly reciprocate the love and friendship that is a part
of Pradarshak.
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| from L to R: Shriram Khadilkar, Udit Chaudhuri, Vasant Sonavani, Paresh Daru & Lalit Hira |
Thank
you to Paresh Daru, Udit Chaudhuri and Shriram Khadilkar for always making time
to listen to us, mentor the gallery’s activities. These stalwarts are the
backbone of gallery Pradarshak. I take a moment to remember Mrs Padmini Bhatia
Ferrauto, who was active for the first decade of the gallery and instrumental
in teaching me all that I know about art today. She is no more.
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| Mrs. Malani sitting for her live portrait |
A
special thank you today to our Mr. Ajit bhai Shah for the wonderful set up he
has given us and Mr. Harishbhai Shah for the wonderful goodies – the catering
that will soon come by. Both brothers from Popular Decorators – a big thank you
to you. And last but not at all the
least our young-at-heart Mrs & Mr.
Gul Malani, who very kindly consented to come by and light the lamp to flag off
this joyous evening.”
The evening was fabulously enjoyed by one and all.
Some heartfelt felicitations:
- All the participating artists - from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Kolkata, Gujarat & Ootacamund.
- The first person who led us to our first artist – Mr. Ashok Hira.
- Our first buyer – Mrs. Sophie Ahmed.
- Patrons, who have regularly visited Pradarshak and encouraged our efforts - Dr. Kumudini Mangaokar, Mr. Amar Goyal, Mrs. Symala Monie among several others...
- Ar. Ashok Wadhwani, who kick-started what we have now developed into a full-fledged art service for architects.
- A very warm thank you to Mrs. Megha Nisar Mota – who gave us the inspiration for the theme of the evening – although inadvertently as she posted hers and her baby’s picture as her status. That’s what you see on our invite.
- A very warm thank you to Ms. Gayatri Mehta, who rejoiced in the evening with us by sketching live portraits of our select guests.
- Special thank you to our young artist Sachin Kumawat, who also made live sketches of guests during the evening.
- And now for the youngest member of our Pradarshak family - Debashish Chall, an Acoustic Guitarist, who strummed his guitar to some delightful Hindi tunes. He is a performing artist and this was his 2nd public performance. The legacy continues – in togetherness, we blossom.