Celebrating World Multiple Sclerosis Day with Artists That Paint the World With Colors of Joy

A panel of three portraits show Khushbu Saxena, Praveen Khetarpal, and Dr. Nonita Gangwani.

By Vineet Saraiwala | May 18, 2024

As we commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day, we honour the strength, resilience, and creativity of individuals who navigate life with Multiple Sclerosis. Let’s celebrate not only their courage but also their remarkable contributions to the world of art.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease of young adults with symptom onset generally occurring between the ages of 20 to 40 years. In Multiple Sclerosis, the immune system cells that normally protect us from viruses, bacteria, and unhealthy cells mistakenly attack myelin in the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). Myelin is a substance that makes up the protective sheath (myelin sheath) that coats nerve fibres (axons).

Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that affects millions worldwide, presenting unique challenges and hurdles. One day, you might be scaling the Himalayas, while the other days would be so difficult that getting up to brush your teeth would be an insurmountable task.

Yet, some artists with disabilities choose to look at the bright side. They find profound beauty in the way art helps them find solace, expression, and joy at a pace they decide, from the comfort of their homes. Join us as we introduce you to three incredible artists within our community whose stories inspire us all.

Praveen Khetarpal – A Fighter Spirit

A portrait of Praveen Khetarpal is displayed between two of her paintings. The painting on the left is a small house in the prairies. The painting on the right shows a woman dancing in water.
Praveen Khetarpal and her paintings.

Meet Praveen, whose journey from working with Times of India to the world of painting is nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of 40, she had her first attack which was dismissed by the doctors as “nothing serious” due to lack of awareness about MS. Despite the challenges posed by the disability and subsequent wheelchair use, Praveen picked up the brush and started painting at the age of 60, when the pandemic struck the world. With each stroke of her brush, she creates breathtaking works that touch the hearts of many.

“God has given us one life with a purpose, so never treat yourself as a patient and focus on the goal that keeps you going,” says Praveen with a bright smile on her face.”

An outgoing person who loves talking to people, Praveen never gave up on her dreams as she continues to give motivational speeches, working with the Press and crafting extraordinary artworks that are available on the Atypical Art platform. Every painting made by Praveen exude positivity and a burst of colours that instantly help viewers feel happier.

Dr. Nonita Gangwani – Intersecting Tech and Art

A portrait of Dr. Nonita Gangwani is displayed between two of her paintings. The painting on the left is of two colorful women wearing head scarves. The painting on the right is a close up of plant leaves.
Dr. Nonita Gangwani and her paintings

Then, there’s Dr. Nonita Gangwani, a dedicated physician who fell in love with art because of her MS diagnosis. When she first learned that her hands are slowly losing mobility, she knew she had to find a way to keep working and remain independent. Using MS Paint and a head mouse, she breathes life into her digital creations, showcasing the power of adaptability and determination. Her artworks, displayed in Pepperfry stores, stand as a testament to her resilience and talent. Nonita’s artistic prowess shines in digital artworks that add a breath of fresh air to landscapes and vibrant scenes.

Khushbu Saxena – Making the Good Days Count

A portrait of Khushbu Saxena is between her two paintings. The left painting is a black and white stylized image of a man and woman looking at each other smiling. The right image is a black and white stylized portrait of a woman wearing a head scarf, looking at the viewer.
Khushbu Saxena and her paintings

And finally, we have Khushbu, whose indomitable spirit shines brightly through her art. The challenges of MS, Fibromyalgia, and CFS could not curb Khushbu’s passion for creativity that remains unwavering. With an MBA in Marketing and helping many startup brands establish a strong presence, Khushbu found herself pulled towards art after her diagnosis. The freedom of expression and working from the comfort of her home allowed her to create wonderful artworks that are available on Atypical Art. From line arts to portraits, her work reflects not only her talent but also her kindness and love for life.

“With MS, there are good days where you can accomplish everything with ease, and there are bad days when even getting out of bed seems like an achievement. Whatever happens, remember that you are strong and that you have the power to achieve anything,” says Khushbu, who does not believe in letting your disability get the best of you.”

These remarkable individuals remind us that art cannot be limited by boundaries—it transcends physical limitations and speaks to the depths of the human spirit. As we celebrate World MS Day, let us honour their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to self-expression.

At Atypical Advantage, we stand with our community in embracing diversity, championing inclusivity, and celebrating the beauty of artistic resilience. Together, let us continue to inspire, uplift, and empower one another on this journey of creativity and self-discovery.

Atypical Art is India’s largest Art Platform showcasing works of 200+ artists with diverse disabilities from all across the country. From designing, curation, commissioning & execution of Art projects, we are an end-to-end art venture, and have worked with more than 100+ leading brands in the past 3 years. Whether it’s artworks for offices, wall murals, LIVE Canvas Paintings or Art installations, each artwork showcases the flair of artists with disabilities and helps in generating dignified livelihood for them.

About This Article:

A Life Worth Living has copied the content of this article under fair use in order to preserve as a post in our resource library for preservation in accessible format. Explicit permission pending.

Link to Original Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/celebrating-world-multiple-sclerosis-day-artists-paint-saraiwala-gf62f/