The Times of India 16.05.2013
Bhopal Municipal Corporation gets good response to graffiti drive on walls
BHOPAL: The graffiti wall oil painting drive mooted by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received tremendous response from all sections of society in a couple of days. Artists from Indore, Gwalior and the state capital have volunteered for graffiti painting on themes like environment, wildlife and heritage. Besides, school students have evinced interest in depicting issues like corruption, rural-urban divide and women empowerment.
Nodal officer of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and in charge for the drive, Gaurav Jaisinghania told TOI, "The drive is being conducted on both sides of the road from Kamla Park to Roshanpura Square. More than 100 people have already registered themselves for the drive including students from institutions like MANIT, IIFT and Polytechnic. Students from St Joseph's Convent School and Camel Convent BHEL have also come forward for painting the walls. We have participants aged 12-65. There are veteran artists from Bhopal. Also persons from Budhni, Jabalpur etc have registered for the drive."
On the move behind the drive, he explained that it was to develop a sense of involvement of the society in the whole process. "Selling out the space for advertisements would have earned us revenue but wouldn't have served the purpose as there would have been littering anyway. By involving so many people (around 250), people would develop a sense of ownership for the graffiti. Also socially relevant themes would convey a message."
What surprised Jaisinghania was a teenaged girl walking into his office earlier the day. "She told me that she wanted to paint about social issues like women empowerment and was very vocal about it. I was taken aback by her zeal."
On why the selected patch was chosen he said, "This focus area was chosen as it connects the old Bhopal with the new. Also the CM house and the Upper Lake traffic pass through this." He also indicated that after phase 1, a phase 2 was also in the offing.
On May 18 and 19, BMC would conduct a graffiti wall oil painting drive for painting the walls on both sides of the road from Kamla Park to Roshanpura Square. The corporation has called for participation from interested schools, colleges, NGOs and individuals. Last date for registration is May 17. Interest participants may contact Gaurav Jaisinghania at 9713469774 and gauravjaisinghania@bmconline.gov.in and garv.jsingh@gmail.com.
Graffiti drive was started in 2003
The graffiti drive on the walls of the state capital was the brain-child of former principal secretary, culture and urban administration, Satyanand Mishra in early 2003. The bureaucrat had mooted the painting in a bid to involve the students from the city and to keep the walls clean. The walls from Roshanpura were used by political parties and advertisers. Theme based paintings from students was a big hit but the drive subsequently failed to gather steam.
