Rang De Neela is an innovative project that brings together art and healthcare to help people understand important health issues. The initiative was launched by Ami Shah in April 2022 with the goal of improving health literacy and well-being through art.
The project features a unique collection of 100 paintings, each telling a story of recovery and resilience, created in collaboration with medical experts. One of the key figures in the project is Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar, a renowned physician known for his research on scorpion stings. His work is beautifully represented in a painting by artist Sagar Kamble called ‘Poison and Antidote,’ which depicts the harsh realities of limited healthcare in the Konkan region and how Dr. Bawaskar saved many lives.
Another powerful artwork is Zara Shaikh’s ‘A Tale of Dual Burden,’ which visually interprets the research of Dr. C S Yajnik, a leading diabetologist. It highlights the “double burden” of malnutrition, where both undernutrition and obesity exist in the same population. The painting emphasizes the importance of empowering women during their reproductive years to break the cycle of malnutrition and prevent the rise of obesity and diabetes.
The project has also taken its mission to rural areas, where artists and doctors come together to create art and discuss health concerns. One memorable event was the “Walk of Confidence,” where patients who had undergone leg amputations due to diabetes walked the ramp alongside doctors. This not only celebrated traditional saree weaving but also sent a powerful message about managing diabetes and living well despite disabilities.
So far, 40 personal stories have been recorded and 28 paintings have been completed, all of which will be displayed in art galleries, hospitals, and other spaces. The ultimate goal is to inspire people to be more health-conscious and to honor the important role of caregivers.
Ami Shah, the founder of Rang De Neela, says that these stories, combined with the medical insights from doctors, make Healing Journeys much more than an artistic project. It’s a way to give hope and courage to others facing similar health challenges.
