HANDMADE RAKHIS TO ADORN THE WRISTS OF SOLDIERS

HANDMADE RAKHIS TO ADORN THE WRISTS OF SOLDIERS

26-AUG-ENG 26

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------For the soldiers stationed at the border, these *rakhis* embody not just a thread, but sentiments of patriotism, respect, and brotherhood. During a four-day *rakhi*-making workshop held at Shanti Smriti Sambhavna Residential High School in Shubh Narayan Nagar, Majhauwa, students crafted 1,120 *rakhis* that will be sent to soldiers stationed at the border. An exhibition-cum-prize distribution ceremony was held at Jubilee Hall on the final day of the workshop organized jointly by Sambhavna Vidyalaya and Sarjana Nyas. Approximately 150 students from classes 6 to 12 participated in the event.

The program was jointly inaugurated by District Art and Culture Officer Anupriya and special guest Colonel Rana Pratap Singh. Students of the school presented a welcome song. School Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra and Principal Dr. Archana Singh honored the guests by presenting them with mementos.

The highlight of the exhibition was the *rakhis* (decorative wristbands) featuring 'Pidia painting,' a form of Bhojpuri folk art. The children gave a fresh twist to this traditional art form by incorporating it into a modern and popular creative medium like the *rakhi*.

Under the guidance of artist and art teacher Sanjeev Sinha, the children depicted various forms of Pidia art on the *rakhis*. Guests and parents who viewed the exhibition highly appreciated this creative initiative by the students. During the ceremony, the guests were also presented with mementos in the form of *rakhis* featuring Pidia painting.

Following the granting of the GI Tag to Pidia painting, integrating this traditional Bhojpuri folk art into new creative products is considered a significant step towards taking it to national and global markets. Pidia painting on *rakhis* by the students of Sambhavna Vidyalaya. This initiative exemplifies how local art can be integrated with modern design and functional products to make it ready for the global market.

While the *Pidia* painting adorning the *rakhis* gave the exhibition a unique identity, it also highlighted the potential of Bhojpuri folk art in a fresh light. This journey from tradition to the marketplace could prove to be a milestone for Bhojpuri art.

Describing the exhibition as unique, Chief Guest Anupriya remarked that the children had beautifully showcased their hidden talents. She noted that the initiative to send *rakhis* to soldiers stationed at the borders was both emotionally moving and inspiring.

Colonel Rana Pratap Singh stated that sending *rakhis* to soldiers is a matter of pride. He encouraged the children to set goals and move forward with hard work and patience.

Presiding over the event, Director Dr. Kumar Dwijendra mentioned that the children had crafted a total of 1,120 *rakhis* during the four-day workshop. He noted that the school has been organizing this workshop for nearly fifteen years, aiming to foster creativity, vocational skills, and a sense of self-reliance among the students.

Principal Dr. Archana Singh remarked that Raksha Bandhan is not merely a festival celebrating the bond between siblings but also an occasion to express respect and sentiments towards the soldiers who protect the nation.

Senior teacher Arvind Ojha conducted the proceedings, while Art teacher Sanjeev Sinha proposed the vote of thanks. Teachers, non-teaching staff, and students were present on the occasion.

A notable highlight was that the *rakhis* made by the children reflected not only patriotism but also the distinct essence of the Bhojpuri region. The colors of the *Pidia* painting blended traditional folk art with a product that could pave the way for taking local art to the global market in the future.