It has been a long-time dream to make the painting of this iconic “old building” of IIT Kharagpur. I grew up in Kharagpur, so it has been something I have been thinking about for a while.
For those who might not have heard of it, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur), popularly known as IIT Kgp, is a technical university in Kharagpur, India. It was established on 18 August 1951, around 71 years ago! This one is the first of the IITs to be established and is recognized as an Institute of national importance.For me though, who spent her childhood and most of the years of life in IIT Kharagpur’s lap like a child, has a very different meaning and description of IIT Kharagpur.
For me though, Kharagpur is my love! A small town that feels like heaven on earth. You will find unity and love, where neighbors treat you like family. It is a place in which you can have the opportunity of learning about different cultures, learning new languages and enjoying food from different parts of India.
It is a place where you can walk freely and safely on roads, you can play anywhere outside your house, and can fly in a pollution free environment like a bird! Listening to all this, I am sure you are also eager to visit my Kharagpur :).
The IIT campus is full of greenery.. You will find big shady trees all around, flowering plants for butterflies, bees and for flower lovers like me and fruit-bearing one’s for everyone to share the fruit. Basically living in IIT Kharagpur feels like living in a forest without any fear!
One of the kids I had taught art to when I was in Kgp was moving to the US for college. She asked me to make a painting for her that she could keep in her dorm room. She wanted a painting that would remind her of her sweet memories of IIT Kharagpur and also of the time spent with me and which could make her feel close to home in her new home away from home. As soon as she asked me if I could, I agreed right away without much thinking!
As I was working on this painting, my heart was filled with sweet memories of the years spent in Kharagpur. As memories came flooding back, I felt like I was reliving many small and big moments of time spent in Kharagpur. Every small detail I worked on reminded me of the past and I felt rejuvenated.
The best part was that it did not take me too many days to complete, I was done in four days. I believe that happened because painting this was pure joy and I did with all my emotions flowing!
Each artwork I work on also teaches me something. From this one, I learnt that when you are working on something (e.g. a painting), do it without any stress and enjoy the process. And if you do that, you will feel completely relaxed and full of happiness when you are done. That’s how I felt and am still feeling as I write this blog about it :).
