Creative Galaxy

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.” – Bruce Lee

Creativity comes in one’s life in different forms like art, dance, photography, music, and anything that brings mental and physical calmness. If these creative activities are conducted in an inclusive environment, it leads to harmony but the people of determination are deprived of these. Art provides an opportunity to create something unique and this is empowering. These creative pursuits are beneficial in many ways:

• Help to focus and channelize energy
• Stimulate the mind and energize the body
• Aid in dealing with negative emotions
• They are a tool for expressing emotions without obstacles
• Makes one realize their worth and feel productive
• Improve and enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being

I got an opportunity to speak with Ms Gayathri Shankar who is a certified artologist, a creative artist and certified reiki healer. She believes that learning difficulties in children can be tapped through Mediated Learning experience. Gayathri is the founder of G3 Creative Galaxy, a happy space for all people with disabilities. She is blessed with a daughter Twaritha who is diagnosed with Global Development delay with Epilepsy but is blessed with picmonic memories. Gayathri believes that Twaritha is the lucky charm of the family.

Gayathri feels that the passion of children with disabilities should be tapped and channelized. Their talent should not be wasted as they’re more than what meets the eye. They are committed, selfless, and focused. These thoughts inspired Gayathri to give them an opportunity to utilize their talent through her creative endeavour, named “G3 Creative Galaxy.” G3 represents – Grace, gratitude, and growth. The name caught my attention and when asked what the inspiration behind this name was, Gayathri said, “Children with disabilities are unique like stars and when they come together in my space, they represent a galaxy.” Well, the name says it all.

Creative Galaxy was created to provide a safe space to these children where they would not need to compete with anyone nor be judged, but do things at their own pace. Gayathri feels art programs are especially important for all age groups. They help to express our feelings, enhance, and strengthen the quality of our lives, regardless of age. As a part of this endeavour, they have also set up a library, “Pick a book,” where children, with the help of buddies, pick a book of their choice and either read it there or borrow it on returnable basis. The recap of the book can be shared by the child in one of the sessions. This encourages them to concentrate and aids in improving retention.

Her daughter, Twaritha Shankar, and her friends, motivated Gayathri to begin this initiative. She noticed their love for creativity and how happy art sessions made them. It was their happy space which kept them totally engaged, sans any distractions. Gayathri and her husband Shanker, accepted the challenging task to streamline this and began G3 Creative Galaxy in their palatial home. It was their happiness and readiness to explore mindset that made Gayathri to start free art and related activities for them. This was not possible without the unwavering support of volunteers who form an integral part of G3 Creative Galaxy. Sanjna Tanna, a student of Grade 10, mentors these kids. Working with PoD is a cause that is very close to her heart and she enjoys teaching and sharing her passion for art with them. Gayathri believes that all positive vibes begin at home, and her husband has been her biggest support and pillar of strength, without whom, she could never realize her dream.

The primary aim of G3 Creative Galaxy is to explore and expand children’s creativity, bring calmness, enhance self-confidence, motivate, and get them self-involved and make them disciplined. These are all key for their well-being. Gayathri has found good support in parents and volunteers who contribute for art and craft workshops, photography, storytelling, library management, and counselling through art. There are no boundaries set, and simple instructions are repeated consistently.

When asked about the future of G3 Creative Galaxy, Gayathri, with a twinkle in her eye, mentioned “An academy some day? You never know.” Passion reflects in her eyes when she speaks about her endeavour with pride. Well, dreams are fulfilled only when you dare to dream. We wish Gayathri all the best and hope to see G3 Creative Galaxy flourish, and influence the lives of children with different abilities.

Nisha Tandon