September, Mumbai: Following her diagnosis with breast cancer, Chhavi Mittal was determined to share her experiences openly and candidly, providing a source of inspiration and camaraderie to cancer patients and their care-givers. “I also realised how much of the journey was affected by mental health,” Chhavi explained. “Post the diagnosis and the demanding toll that the treatment takes on the body, there is a lot of emotional turmoil as well. The uncertainty of the situation affects not only the patient but their extended circle of family and caregivers. Emotional resilience and a positive attitude can make a huge difference and impact how one approaches the road to recovery. So when I learned more about the mental health support that Kamalika’s initiative, Artscape, provides to cancer patients with limited means, I knew I had to be a part of it!”
Kamalika Guha Thakurta’s wealth of experience with the arts opened her mind to the healing potential of this medium. “Through dance, singing and acting, I had personally felt what a transformative tool such creative expression can be,” said Kamalika. Building on her background as a performing artist and actor in culturally powerful shows from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to Naagin, she also studied Dance Movement Therapy from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to formalise her training. She founded Artscape in 2016 to highlight the need for Emotional Wellbeing as means to a healthy and fulfilling life.
Kamalika launched a new medium through which to raise awareness and funds for mental health via such creative therapies through charity closet sales. “Chhavi has been an outspoken force who has given so many a story to relate with and strength to learn from. It means a great deal to me to kickstart this new vertical with such a resilient person and a wonderful friend, so we can together engage with our community and raise funds by hosting these charity closet sales,” Kamalika said.
The pieces are up for sale through the social enterprise Dolce Vee, where buyers can choose curated personal favourites from Chhavi, while their purchases support Artscape.
Your donations will be utilised to deliver FREE Sessions to build emotional resilience in Patients, Survivors and Caregivers belonging to lower resourced families, to help in the process of recovery and rehabilitation.
