Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: Chairman and CEO of J&K Bank, Parvez Ahmed, today directed his team to encourage the special skills of Uttam Kumar Bharadwaj, one of the rare artists making paintings with the use of feet and toes.
The direction were passed by the Chairman when the world acclaimed “Foot Artist” met him and presented his painting to him on the occasion of Deepavali festival.
During the interaction held, the artist discussed his vision to empower hundreds of disabled persons of the State by teaching them the art and other handicraft techniques which can enable them to undertake sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Parvez Ahmed applauded the talent, achievements and noble vision of Uttam Kumar towards empowering others regardless of disability and offering a self-sustaining platform to the physically challenged.
He said that the idea finds complete alignment with the guiding principle of J&K Bank to serve and financially empower people of the State. The Chairman directed his team to encourage the special skills of Uttam Kumar by utilizing them for display of Financial Literacy messages in the rural business units.
Uttam Kumar apprised the Chairman about the initiative of his institute ‘JD Foot & Mouth Art’ to sponsor 194 disabled persons towards the exhibition of Painting cum Handicraft work to be held in Mumbai on World Disability Day which will be attended by the renowned personalities of the country.
He demonstrated his foot writing skills on the spot by writing an invitation to the Chairman for attending the Exhibition at Mumbai. The Chairman acknowledged the contribution of the institute promoted by Uttam Kumar and assured him full support for the promotion of heritage art of the State by showcasing it at Mumbai.
Uttam Kumar Bharadwaj is one of the leading foot artists of the state who has been awarded multiple recognitions by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir along with various appreciations and honors for his contribution towards development of Basholi Painting and other art forms.
Hailing from village Dudu Basantgarh in District Udhampur, Uttam Kumar despite physical challenges, aced the skill of painting from feet and toes. He has represented the State in various art programmes across the country.
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