Port Blair, June 15: The White Esprit, International Culture Review & Publisher has selected as many as ten artworks of Islands’ enthusiastic Teacher and Nature Lover Shri Chanchal Singha Roy for a solo exhibition in an online platform. The selection of the art works of Roy is a proud moment for the islanders as the Teacher by profession, he has been a role model to hundreds of students especially those hailing from the remote rural areas of the Islands.
On the evening of 24 March 2020, the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, limiting movement of the entire 1.38 billion (138 crore) population of India as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
“I had ample time after the declaration of the nationwide lockdown. The very first thing that had struck my mind was the question as to what I could do to utilise my leisure time. And I knew the answer to my question was to resume my passion for drawing”, said Shri Chanchal Singha Roy in an interview with Andaman Chronicle.
“I had got an opportunity to relive my passion for drawing that I couldn't follow after my childhood”, Roy said.
Roy then started by purchasing a small pack of pens and had his daughter's drawing book at home. He tried his best to be as consistent and focused as possible to utilize his time judiciously.
In order to build up his confidence and self-esteem, Roy took the help of social media. He sent friend requests to artists, joining art clubs and pages, who appreciated the artworks and also suggested ways to improve.
Over time, Roy developed an unbreakable bond with drawing and made sure that he could project his love for nature, its biodiversity, conservation and crisis, through his artworks.
Mr. Senthil Kumar (Artist) and Dr. Rashida Iqbal, Asst. Director, Art & Culture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration had also been great motivators, he said.
“My wife, daughter, my friend Ranojoy Sarkar, Anand Rao and the daughter of renowned Activist Samir Acharya, Ms Samhita Veda Achariya played the role of a constant support system. My students and children who have been a part of my environmental programmes, activities, workshops & campaigns, have a prominent contribution in making me realise my passion and work on it”, Roy explained.
The journey has been like a roller coaster ride with lots of ups & downs but the amazement was there all the time, he said requesting all readers to inculcate their interest and passion during the pandemic.