In a heartfelt tribute to educators and visually impaired students, JK Paper has released a moving film to celebrate Teacher’s Day.
The film spotlights the remarkable efforts of Sumeet Sanjay Patil, an art teacher at Snehajyoti Nivasi Blind School in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, who has dedicated his career to transforming the lives of visually impaired students through his innovative teaching methods. By linking colors to fragrances, a technique known as “Rang-Gandh,” Sumeet has empowered over 1,000 visually impaired students to express themselves through art, proving that creativity knows no bounds.
The film takes viewers on an emotional journey through the contrasting settings of bustling Mumbai and the serene villages of Konkan, where Sumeet’s unique approach to art education has made a lasting impact. It opens with the powerful imagery of a blank canvas, symbolizing the untapped potential within every child, and unfolds to show Sumeet’s use of scents and 3D outliners, which enable his students to experience art through touch. This method not only encourages them to paint but also instills confidence, demonstrating that art can be experienced through all the senses.
Throughout the narrative, the voices of Sumeet’s students resonate, sharing their personal challenges and triumphs as they discover the joy of creating art. These testimonials highlight the transformative power of Sumeet’s teaching, showing that art can be felt with the heart as much as it is seen with the eyes. Sumeet’s commitment to his students extends beyond the classroom, as he travels to remote areas in Konkan to bring his innovative form of art education to children who might otherwise be overlooked.
The film culminates in a powerful showcase of the students’ vibrant and textured artworks, each piece telling a story that can be felt rather than seen. These masterpieces, created with the guidance of a passionate and dedicated teacher, illustrate the limitless possibilities that arise when imagination is nurtured.
Partha Biswas, Chief of Sales and Marketing at JK Paper, reflected on the campaign’s significance, stating, “This Teacher’s Day, we wanted to highlight the extraordinary impact teachers like Sumeet have on their students, especially those with special needs. His innovative teaching method is not just a lesson in creativity, but a powerful demonstration of the value of tactile learning. Through this campaign, we aim to underscore the critical role of teachers in shaping the lives of their students and emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for differently-abled individuals to express themselves creatively. Just as teachers play a vital role in shaping the lives of their students, JK Paper is committed to shaping a sustainable world. Our paper is sourced from 9.50 lakh acres of Agro Social Farm Forestry Program, which not only supports sustainable practices but also provides livelihoods for nearly 1,30,000 farmer families.”
The campaign also emphasizes the unique connection that visually impaired students have with JK Paper. The texture and feel of the paper become an integral part of their artistic process, allowing them to perceive and create art through touch. This tactile interaction deepens the emotional bond between the students and their medium, making the paper an essential element in their creative journey. JK Paper’s tribute honors the unwavering dedication of teachers like Sumeet, who go above and beyond to ensure that every student has the opportunity to shine.
By sharing this film, JK Paper and Snehajyoti Nivasi Blind School hope to inspire others to support educational initiatives that foster creativity, particularly for those with special needs. With millions of visually impaired individuals worldwide, including over 10 million in India, still waiting to unlock their creative potential, this campaign serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the lasting impact that dedicated teachers can have on their students.
