While the government is pooling all resources and the frontline workers are putting up a brave fight against the coronavirus, there are others who are doing what they can to the best of their abilities to help out.

One of them is a young, 25 years old man, Somashekar, who has been painting murals describing COVID-19 preventive measures on the walls in over 30 villages since the lockdown. Even though he comes from a humble family, his parents, who are agricultural laborers, encourage his initiative by providing paints, materials and other necessities.

“Art knows no language, it is universal.  What better way to convey the importance of precautions than through art,” he states about his work.

As a child, Somashekhar was supported by the Rural Development Trust (RDT)’s Education and Health program which made it possible for him to pursue Fine Arts. He is now using his talent and passion as tools to create conversations about COVID-19 in the villages he visits.

People from the villages act as an inspiration for Somashekhar’s paintings. ©RDT

At what age did you start painting and how did you develop interest in the arts?

When I was about 6 years old, I attended the RDT Art Festival hosted at our school. I liked what was going on over there and started getting interested in art. I attended the festival every year, but never won. That kept me going. I wanted to win the first place in the Art Festival and continued to refine my skills.  It finally happened when I did a series of paintings on violence against women and girls. Not only did I win it, but it brought me a lot of recognition in the local media as well as encouragement from my family and teachers. From that point, I just kept going forward. I realized the role of art in bringing change to society.

Why did you decide to make these wall paintings?

COVID-19 has affected a lot of countries and millions of people across the world. I thought about my local area and other surrounding villages, and what would happen if COVID-19 affects us. Here people are stuck in poverty and live hand to mouth. It is hard for them to survive without work, the hospital expenses would be a great burden. This motivated me to do something, to use my art to spread awareness among people. My parents supported me financially with whatever little money they had when I told them about my idea.

How did people react to the art?

People were very encouraging. My family, the local media, RDT staff and everyone around appreciated the art. When I was painting, I saw people discussing the paintings, old people stopped by to see and discuss among themselves about the virus and how they can be safe. Children love the work.  Women discuss the importance of prevention, and how they can use sarees and how men can use handkerchiefs as protective gear, if they are running short on masks. I am glad that these paintings are starting discussions among people in the villages.

Somashekhar painting on public walls in the villages so the message is easily seen by all. ©RDT

What message would you like to give to the people who are suffering due to the COVID-19 all around the world?

Many people across the world are affected by COVID-19.  In these hard times, we need to help each other and we can overcome this pandemic with unity and resilience. We all should take the required precautions and stay home. Many people do not have the luxury to stay home or cannot provide for themselves, while those with resources can help the less fortunate and help one another in these hard times. We must show empathy towards each other.

What is your dream? Something you would like to achieve?

I want to be a good artist; I want my art to bring a social change among people and communities. I want to educate people through art. It has always been my passion.

Check out these artworks by Somashekar:

Text: Ernest Abhishek, Felita Viegas; adapted by Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA