Uttarakhand Artist Bharati Saini Teaches Art to Disabled Persons in Hyderabad

Bharati Saini, a 25-year-old artist from Uttarakhand who creates artwork using her elbow stumps, is teaching drawing and painting to persons with intellectual disabilities at Swayamkrushi in Hyderabad.

Saini lost both of her upper limbs at the age of 11 after accidentally picking up an explosive device that was meant to scare away animals. The blast caused severe injuries, resulting in amputations that left her with elbow stumps. Despite the injury, she returned to her sixth standard classes with bandaged limbs and began exploring drawing and painting.

A key turning point occurred when Saini was in the 10th standard. A visiting District Magistrate noticed her artwork at school and advised her to pursue a formal education in fine arts. Acting on the recommendation, Saini pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art at Nainital University and subsequently completed a Master’s degree at Kurukshetra University in Haryana.

Her artistic career later brought her to Hyderabad to assist her friend Vishnu Kondoj in establishing a studio-cum-workshop under the Masterbrush Art Foundation. During her time in the city, she began conducting art classes for individuals with intellectual disabilities at Swayamkrushi.

Saini noted that teaching at the institution provides immense satisfaction and allows her an opportunity to contribute back to society after receiving support throughout her own journey. She highlighted that Swayamkrushi founder-director Manjulaa Kalyaan and the staff have helped her feel comfortable in the work environment.

Although Saini primarily speaks Hindi, she bridges the communication gap with students by using sign language and relies on other teachers to translate instructions into Telugu whenever necessary.