In a heartwarming celebration of talent and resilience, a thirteen-year-old artist from Pune has been honoured with a prestigious national award, shining a spotlight on the power of inclusive art. Dhriti Pranay Ranka, a student at Bishop's School in Kalyani Nagar, received the Divyang Bal Balika Award on National Disability Day, December 3.
An Artistic Voice Born Before Words
Dhriti, who has Down syndrome, was recognised for her profoundly expressive artwork and her role in using creativity to foster awareness and inclusion. The young artist began drawing as a toddler, even before she could speak, finding in art a primary channel for communication. "My process is mainly with music," Dhriti explained. "It's about feelings I cannot show in words."
Her parents, both architects, nurtured her early exposure to creative spaces. One of her most poignant works emerged from personal loss when her best friend moved away. "I couldn't talk back then. My mother told me she was moving, and that feeling came out in my art," she shared. Describing the moment she received the award, where she was also specially mentioned by the President, Dhriti simply said, "I was happy and excited."
From a Simple Exhibition to a National Platform
Dhriti's artistic journey is deeply intertwined with Tickle Your Art, an inclusive art initiative she co-founded with her mother, architect Shweta Runwal, when she was just eight years old. Named after Dhriti's pet name 'Tickle', the platform began organically with a single exhibition at Pune's Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum for Down Syndrome Awareness Day seven years ago.
"We just wanted people to interact with the children and their work," Runwal recalled. The overwhelming response, including sales of the artwork, revealed art's potential as a tool for awareness and self-expression. From that humble start, Tickle Your Art has evolved into a structured platform that now collaborates with over 25 artists, onboards new talent annually, and creates products and exhibitions centred on inclusive design.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Community
Runwal highlighted the initial lack of awareness and support when Dhriti was born. "We were told we didn't know if she would walk or talk," she said. Community support and her extended family's role proved crucial. Dhriti, who underwent heart surgery at four months and lives with a pacemaker, has thrived against the odds.
The national award followed a formal selection process where a committee reviewed her work, met her at an exhibition, and assessed videos. But Dhriti's dreams soar beyond the canvas. "I want to be a gymnast," she revealed with a smile.
The initiative continues to grow ambitiously. In February, Tickle Your Art will open an art café and community centre in Kalyani Nagar, near the metro line. This space aims to create job opportunities for people with disabilities and host workshops for the wider community. The venture, which also involves Runwal's younger daughter Ira, recently secured investor funding on Shark Tank India.
Through her art and her platform, Dhriti carries a simple yet powerful message for the world: "Everyone is special in their own way. They can do whatever they want." Her story is not just about winning an award; it's a vibrant testament to redefining inclusion one brushstroke at a time.
