The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has left everyone in a state of grief and shock. Reports claim that 26 people lost their lives in the brutal attack, and their families are still finding it hard to absorb what happened. Social media is packed with posts, with people and celebs from different walks of life expressing their profound grief and extending support and prayers to the mourning family. Bollywood-Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra has also taken to her social media handle to express her anguish.

Priyanka Chopra pens a poignant message over the Pahalgam attack

Highlighting the dreadful fact that innocent lives were lost at the hands of violence, the actress described the attack as “reprehensible.”
“What happened in Pahalgam is reprehensible. People were there on vacations, honeymoons, celebrating with their families. Just taking in the beauty of Kashmir. So many innocent lives were caught in a storm they never asked for. Targeted, right in front of their loved ones,” she wrote.
The emotional toll that this tragedy is taking on the whole nation, especially on those who lost their loved ones, is hard to describe in words. Yet the actress tried, and shared, “This heinous attack should shake the conscience of humanity. This will haunt us for a long time. To those grieving, displaced, mourning, and living in fear, my thoughts and prayers are with you.”
She concluded her post with the line – “I’m so deeply anguished by this.”

The Pahalgam attack

On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen created havoc at Pahalgam when they opened fire on a group of tourists. Their inhuman act of extreme violence left behind a trail of destruction and loss, as alongside the 26 people who lost their lives, many others sustained serious injuries. Not just this, reports claim that several families have been left shattered and displaced.
Reportedly, the assailants are believed to be a part of The Resistance Front, a splinter group of the prohibited terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who targeted tourists in one of the most lethal terrorist incidents in Kashmir in recent years.

Thakare Naik with his works
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

There are numerous examples of differently-abled people who have overcome limitations to make a mark in their chosen field. Their struggles persist but they continue to pursue their passion. Here is one such inspiring artist, Thakare Naik, from the Lambada tribe, who found strength in art despite his physical limitations.

A freelance artist for 15 years, Thakare’s works have been exhibited as part of solo and group shows across India, including Hyderabad, Vadodara, Delhi and Kolkata. With meticulous attention to detail, his 16 mixed media works were showcased at the recently-held group show, ABC 6.0, in Bengaluru. Organised by Art Bengaluru Collective (ABC) at Rangoli Metro Art Centre, MG Road Metro Station, the multi-art exhibition featured works of 24 artists.

Tough childhood

Superhero in a caliper- Work by Thakare Naik
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Diagnosed with polio (right leg and a weak right hand) in his childhood, Thakare lived with his family — parents and three brothers — in Kalyanadurgam town of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. That life was tough for him is an understatement as he grew up in extreme poverty.

Unable to take care of the disabled child, his father left him at a government hostel for the physically challenged. With no interest in education and facing neglect, Thakare took to begging to fend for himself. “I became carefree. I used to beg near the bus stand and hotels and later spend the money to eat or watch movies. I thought this was the only world for me,” Thakare recalls.

This continued for 10 years until his brother and father found him at a market one day, brought him home and enrolled him in a school in Thimmapur.

Interest in art

pen drawing by Thakare Naik
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Watching his teacher’s son Sudhakant practice art sparked an interest in Thakare to express creatively. He began drawing Science diagrams for his friends and soon became popular. The crutches he received in Anantapur also gave him a new life, as he could travel to other cities. After a four-year course in Tirupati, he came to Hyderabad to pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Telugu University. “During the interview, the teachers wondered if I will complete my degree,” recalls Thakare. But he did and went on to pursue Master of Arts (MFA) from Viswa Bharati University in Santiniketan.

Assistive products

Electricity lines supported on crutches… work by Thakare Naik
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Thakare expressed his feelings through art and many paintings done at Santiniketan were based on his life. Also, different assistive products — crutches, calipers, wheel chair, walkers, knee ankle foot orthosis, prosthetic devices etc became narrative elements in his works.

Be it an artwork of a superhero in a caliper standing tall between two buildings or a painting showing electricity lines supported by crutches, they are powerful statements on the positive impact of assistive devices. “One needn’t be born disabled. Physical disability can happen any time, either by accidents or illnesses, or, in the case of armed force personnel, on the battlefield. It is natural to feel depressed, but these devices can give a new life.”

work by Thakare Naik
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The 46-year-old artist does not like to replicate imagery from photographs. He draws inspiration from his surroundings and paints on different themes. Although there are financial constraints, Thakare’s artistic journey continues with the same passion. He hopes to document the vibrant Lambadi embroidery, their festivals and unique wedding traditions through his art. “Disability is not the end of the world. It applies to only a body part while our mind is perfect. We can use it to create art.”