Colours for a cause

AHMEDABAD: Instead of asking for donations for her NGO or help from the government, MananChaturvedi has taken to painting to collect money to colour up the lives of 93 children who were abandoned on the streets of Jaipur. On Sunday, Chaturvedi ended her 24-hour nonstop painting spree at a city club to raise awareness and donations for her NGO 'SurmanSanthan' for such children.
Having started on Saturday at 5 pm, Chaturvedi made 56 beautiful paintings by Sunday evening to be sold for charity. Over 20 paintings have already been sold, amounting to more than Rs 1.25 lakh, with prices ranging from Rs 2,100 to Rs 11,000 per painting.
Many Amdavadis lined up to watch Chaturvedi paint and buy her artwork. "It was a heartwarming experience. The crowd gave me a lot of support and it was their motivation that kept me going," said Chaturvedi.
Last year, Chaturvedi had painted for 72 hours continuously in Jaipur for her cause, which she refers to as 'Angel of love.' "I started the movement last year to garner money as well as raise awareness about such kids who are abandoned by their family," said 39-year old Chaturvedi, who will now be painting in Bikaner, Vadodara and Rajkot in the next few weeks.
"Her spirit is phenomenal. For us, standing for two hours is tough, and she is painting for 24 hours," said Vishesh Bansal, student. "She is working her heart out for all the children, like a mother," said Ravindra Purohit, student. "The cause is noble, and we are here to help further it," said Priyambara Rao, who came from Udiapur to help Chaturvedi.
In 1994, Chaturvedi chucked her London scholarship and job offer in the US and started adopting abandoned kids from the streets of Jaipur. She takes care of 93 children, between 0-18 years old, all of whom live with her.
Chaturvedi painted at Karanavati club, which provided her the premises free of charge. "Our club has always been supportive of such causes. When I got her application, I sanctioned it immediately and provided her with all the support she needed," said Girish Dani, president, Karnavati club.