Mangaluru: Aalekh – meaning the art of painting, is one of the 64 Kalas mentioned in the ancient scriptures. On 15th September 2019, 44 doctors and dentists from all around Mangaluru came together under one roof at the Senate Hall of the Milagres Hall complex to showcase their hidden talent of using colors of all types – paintbrushes, charcoal, pencil and various other materials to enthrall their friends, family, and art enthusiasts.
This was a first of its kind event that showcased the talents of the medical fraternity in Mangaluru. The idea was initially conceived by Dr. Errel Diaz of Fr. Muller Medical College. More than 250 paintings in different forms, sizes and mediums were exhibited. The various mediums used included oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, ceramic, glass painting, pencil sketching, charcoal sketches, and digital prints on postcards.
The chief guest for the day was Dr. Akthar Husain, a dentist by profession and an artist by passion. He has won several awards for his photography and digital art and paintings both in India and at the international level. Fr. Joseph Vaz, Parish Priest of Milagres Parish and Mrs. Cecelia Periera, Vice President of the Parish Council also graced the occasion. Dr. Vinay Rao welcomed the dignitaries following which Dr. Akthar shared a few encouraging words to the artists.
The exhibition received an overwhelming response from the public. The visitors crossed 1000 and many even kept dropping by even at the closing. There was also a table for the tiny tots who attracted many visitors as they demonstrated their artistic ability, coloring and drawing for them.
Doctors and Dentists are a busy lot. Their studies first, and then their clinical work, have led to them forgetting that their unique talents. This exhibition has helped them to accept, and display their passion for art to the benefit of the general public.
The Medical profession is very stressful considering the fact that they deal with lives, the odd duty hours, not to forget their family commitments. Doctors too need some sort of a stress buster. Some take to music, dance, fitness routines, and some find solace in their brushes. Many of the artists revisited their forgotten talents only because of the exhibition.
Aalekh was just a beginning. The organizers hope to have many such events in the future with different forms of art like photography, craft, and fine arts too.
