Siyaahi
Siyaahi was a not-for-profit initiative to inform & inspire people about the cultural, intellectual, and creative importance of handwriting. The first edition, Siyaahi ‘16, presented by Camlin and driven by Eicher, was launched with close to 12,000 participants from seven schools and two shelter homes writing in English and in Hindi. The schools included Bhavan Vidyalaya, Chandigarh, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, Chitkara International School, Hansraj Public School, Ryan International School, Sacred Heart Convent School and Vivek High School, Chandigarh while the shelter homes included Ashiana Children’s Home, Panchkula and Guraasra, Mohali.
Siyaahi celebrated World Handwriting Day for the first time in India at Bal Bhawan, Sector 23, Chandigarh. The event hosted around 200 attendees and illustrated the various facets of handwriting.
A workshop on The Science of Handwriting provided valuable tips on how to improve one’s handwriting with the use of appropriate Alphabet Formations, Loops, Lines, Slant, Curves, Angles, Surface, Instruments, muscles, and much more. It was conducted by distinguished experts from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh.
India’s best calligrapher, Mr. Achyut Ramachandra Palav, inspired the audience with a myriad of calligraphy techniques, tools, styles and scripts in a session on The Art of Handwriting. He also uncovered the resplendent work of his students and colleagues, highlighting the applications of calligraphy across a diversity of domains. “Teachers and mentors should encourage freedom of expression. We need students who draw yellow elephants flying in the sky,” he remarked during his interaction. He ended the day with an astounding piece of work on two 30-feet paper rolls using brushes, wipers, syringes and colours. In awe, the students left their mark on the canvas. Mr. Anurag Agrawal, Home Secretary (U.T.), appreciated the initiative undertaken by the Siyaahi team.
This article was originally published on Facebook by Yellow Cursor in 2016.