It was like watching a magician unfold a magic trick. The gasps, the aww, the bright eyes that filled the room were amazing to watch as Badshah Miyan, a national award winning Laheriya artist taught a class in one of the Akanksha run BMC schools.

Understated in his style and thrilled to be teaching, Badshah Miyan said ‘Who says India does not have talent. Give these children a month with a technique like laheriyan and watch the wonders.’ Teachers who watched the workshop felt that such opportunities were key in providing students a sense of respect for art forms that are slowly disappearing. There is no greater sense of achievement than actually creating something yourself from scratch.

We thank the team at Paramparik Karigar for the work they do in bringing artisans to the city and providing schools like our’s the chance to believe in magic.