Palette of Tradition 6
The morning sun streamed through the small window of their workspace, casting a warm glow on the vibrant images of folk art that adorned the walls. The room was silent, each one lost in their thoughts, waiting for the phone to ring.
Suddenly, it did. Aaradhya picked up the call and listened intently. Her expression changed from anxious anticipation to surprised relief. “It’s Prakash Babu,” she said after hanging up. “He wants to meet us again.”
Ghanshyam looked at her questioningly while Meera felt a flutter of hope in her heart.
“He didn’t say much,” Aaradhya continued, trying to make sense of the unexpected call. “But he mentioned something about wanting to understand our work better.”
The news brought an unforeseen twist in their journey as they prepared themselves for another meeting with Prakash Babu.
As the sun set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, they found themselves once again at Prakash Babu’s opulent office. The stark contrast between their humble workspace and his luxurious setting was not lost on them.
Prakash Babu greeted them cordially, a change from their previous encounter. He led them to a large conference room where an array of Indian folk art objects were displayed. They were taken aback by this unexpected sight.
“I’ve been thinking about our last meeting,” he began, his gaze fixed on a beautiful terracotta piece from West Bengal. “And I realised that I didn’t give your cause the consideration it deserves.”
His words hung in the air as Meera, Ghanshyam and Aaradhya exchanged surprised glances. Could this be the ally they needed?
“However,” he continued, “I need to understand more about these art forms before making any commitments.”
They agreed to his proposal with cautious optimism. This could be their chance to secure much-needed support for their mission but they knew they had to tread carefully.
The following day was spent in a whirlwind of activity. Meera, Ghanshyam and Aaradhya worked tirelessly to prepare a comprehensive presentation about the different folk arts they had been working with. They knew this could be their only chance to convince Prakash Babu.
Their preparation included not just facts and figures but also stories from artisans who still held onto these dying traditions. They hoped that the personal narratives would help bring alive the importance of their mission.
As they compiled photographs, sketches and anecdotes, each piece seemed to echo with a voice of its own – voices that whispered tales of generations past, voices that hummed melodies of forgotten songs, voices that painted pictures with colours unseen.
Meanwhile, Prakash Babu found himself intrigued by his own collection of folk art pieces. He began researching about them online and was surprised at the depth and diversity he discovered. The more he learnt about these art forms, the more he realized how little he knew.
The day of the presentation arrived. Meera, Ghanshyam and Aaradhya entered Prakash Babu’s office with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. They had one shot at this, they couldn’t afford to fail.
As they set up their presentation, Ghanshyam looked around the room at the folk art pieces displayed on the walls. He had seen many such collections in his life, but today it felt different. Today these works were not just beautiful artifacts; they were ambassadors of a culture that was fading away.
Prakash Babu walked in exactly at noon, his punctuality surprising them yet again. As he took his seat across from them, there was an air of expectancy that filled the room.
Meera initiated their presentation with a brief introduction about Indian folk arts and then handed over to Ghanshyam who explained each art form in detail – its history, technique and significance. Aaradhya concluded by sharing stories from artisans whose livelihoods depended on these arts.
Throughout their presentation, Prakash Babu listened attentively without interrupting or asking questions which left them unsure about his reaction.
Once the presentation concluded, there was a pause that seemed to stretch for an eternity. Prakash Babu remained silent as he studied the faces of Meera, Ghanshyam and Aaradhya. His eyes finally settled on a photograph of an elderly artisan, his hands delicately crafting a terracotta pot.
Breaking the silence, he asked them about their plans for funding and sustainability. They explained their ideas about workshops, exhibitions and online platforms to promote these art forms and generate revenue.
Prakash Babu listened thoughtfully before standing up from his chair. He walked over to the window overlooking the bustling city below. The contrast between this modern world and the traditional arts they were trying to preserve was strikingly evident.
“I appreciate your passion,” he began turning back towards them, “and I admire your dedication.” His words hung in the air as they waited with bated breath for what would come next.
“But,” he continued slowly, “I need time to consider this proposal.”
As they left Prakash Babu’s office, the trio felt a mix of relief and uncertainty. They had done their best; now all they could do was wait.
In the following days, while waiting for Prakash Babu’s decision, they continued their work with renewed vigor. Meera started documenting each art form in detail, Ghanshyam reached out to more artisans across different regions and Aaradhya worked on expanding her NGO network.
During this time, they also organized a small exhibition at a local community center showcasing various folk arts. The response was overwhelming as people showed genuine interest in understanding and appreciating these art forms.
This event gave them hope that there were still people who valued tradition over modernity. It strengthened their belief that if presented correctly, Indian folk arts could regain its lost glory.
Meanwhile, Prakash Babu found himself contemplating their proposal more than he had anticipated. He visited the exhibition organized by them and saw firsthand how these arts resonated with people of all ages.
Prakash Babu was surprised by the depth and beauty of the arts that were on display. He saw children marveling at the intricate designs, adults appreciating the craftsmanship, and elderly reminiscing about their childhood days when such art forms were an integral part of their lives.
The exhibition was a revelation for him. He realized that these art forms were not just pieces of decoration but carried a rich history, culture and tradition within them. They were a testament to India’s diverse heritage which needed to be preserved for future generations.
Simultaneously, he also understood why Meera, Ghanshyam and Aaradhya were so passionate about their cause. Their dedication wasn’t merely towards preserving an art form; it was towards keeping alive a piece of India’s soul.
He left the exhibition with a heavy heart as he thought about his role in this mission. The decision wasn’t easy considering his business interests but something inside him had stirred after witnessing the event.
Back at his office, Prakash Babu sat down with their proposal once again. This time though, he looked at it from a different perspective – not as a businessman looking for profits but as an Indian who cared for his country’s heritage.
As Prakash Babu pondered over the proposal, he couldn’t shake off the images of the vibrant art pieces and the joy they brought to people’s faces. He recalled a conversation with an elderly woman at the exhibition who shared stories about how these arts were once an integral part of their lives. She spoke about how each piece carried a story, a tradition, and a way of life that was slowly fading away.
His mind also drifted back to his childhood days when his grandmother used to narrate stories through Patachitra paintings. Those were simple times where happiness was found in such small things. The realization hit him hard; he too had been part of this rich heritage which he had almost forgotten.
The more he thought about it, the clearer it became that this wasn’t just about money or business anymore. It was about preserving something invaluable for generations to come.
It was late into the night when Prakash Babu finally made up his mind. He picked up his phone and dialed Aaradhya’s number.
“I’ve decided,” he said without any preamble as soon as she answered, “I’m in.”
A wave of relief washed over Aaradhya as she heard Prakash Babu’s decision. She thanked him profusely, promising that his contribution would go a long way in preserving and promoting the folk arts.
The news brought newfound enthusiasm to their team. Meera was ecstatic; Ghanshyam’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. Their project had finally found the support it needed to take off.
Prakash Babu, on the other hand, felt an unusual sense of contentment. He knew there would be challenges ahead and not everyone in his business circle would understand his decision. But for once, he was ready to put aside profits for something more meaningful.
The following day marked a new beginning for their mission. With Prakash Babu’s funding, they were able to plan workshops across different regions of India where local artisans could teach their art forms to interested learners.
They also started working on setting up an online platform where these artists could display and sell their work directly without any middlemen involved.
Their journey wasn’t easy but every step forward filled them with hope and determination. They were not just reviving traditional art forms but also providing livelihoods to numerous artisans who had been struggling due to lack of opportunities and recognition.
With Prakash Babu’s support, they were able to reach out to more artisans and art enthusiasts. They arranged exhibitions in urban areas where people flocked in large numbers to appreciate the beauty of these traditional arts.
These events served as a platform for the artists to share their stories and experiences. The visitors were not just spectators but participants who engaged with the artists, learning about their craft and its importance in preserving cultural heritage.
Meera documented every journey, every artist they met, and every story behind each art form. She believed that these narratives were as important as the art itself. Her eyes shone brighter each day; she was living her dream.
Ghanshyam found his purpose restored. He started painting again after years, his hands moving gracefully over canvases bringing life to age-old tales through Phad paintings.
Prakash Babu watched from afar as his investment brought smiles on faces of artists and admirers alike. His decision had not only given a new lease of life to dying art forms but also brought him closer to his roots.
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