By Joaquim Fernandes SDB for BIS Mumbai

Naigaon (E), Maharashtra | July 28: For five days, classrooms at Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon (East) were transformed into vibrant creative spaces as students explored imagination, self-expression, and emotional well-being through an intensive Art Therapy Programme conducted by renowned artist Mr C. D. Jain (David Jain).

An award-winning Indian artist and art educator from Kerala, Mr Jain is internationally recognised for his work advocating child rights through art. He has served as an art consultant for UNICEF, Save the Children India, and World Vision, using art therapy and creative workshops to empower destitute, abused, and marginalised children.

Held from July 20 to July 24, the five-day programme brought together nearly 35 students from Grades VI to IX. During school hours, participants attended the sessions without their school bags or regular academic lessons, immersing themselves instead in creative expression through art. The initiative offered students a rare opportunity to experience learning beyond the classroom while nurturing emotional resilience and self-confidence.

The programme was inaugurated by Vice Principal Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SDB, who welcomed Mr. C D Jain and underscored the growing importance of mental health and emotional well-being among young learners. In his address, Fr. Fernandes highlighted art as a powerful medium for self-expression, stress management, and personal growth. He stated that we need to learn to seek the truth, to reflect on the meaning of life and embrace good values.

Throughout the workshop, students were encouraged to move beyond conventional drawing techniques and use art to communicate emotions, ideas, and personal experiences. Rather than striving for technical perfection, the sessions emphasised creativity, observation, imagination, and confidence, enabling every participant to discover their unique artistic voice.

Students completed a series of themed projects, including observation work like Leaf Drawing and Nature Sketches to imaginative concepts like Imagination Design and Draw, Human Figures and The World of Fishes which helped build both technical skills and artistic expression. Each activity challenged participants to think creatively while developing their artistic and observational skills.

"It was exciting to come to school without our books and simply draw and create," said Gianne Sequeira, a Grade IX student. "We completed several themed projects and it was an incredible workshop experience. The workshop improved my colouring techniques and taught me to draw what I think instead of only what I see. It helped me to trust my inner vision"

For Lovina Kerketta, a Grade VIII student attending Mr. Jain's workshop for the third time, the experience strengthened her creative aspirations. "This workshop teaches us to think beyond what is visible and draw what we imagine," she said. "I hope to become a fashion designer, and these sessions have inspired me. Working with classmates and seeing their creativity motivated me to develop my own ideas."

Grade IX student Ritika Bodke described the programme as transformative. "It helped me think outside the box," she said. "I learned to create drawings from my imagination without worrying about fixed rules. It encouraged me to experiment and express my ideas in a more creative way. My true artistic voice began to emerge.”

Teachers observed significant growth in students' confidence, collaboration, and independent thinking throughout the programme. The artworks produced during the workshop reflected originality, imagination, and emotional depth, demonstrating how creative expression can support both artistic development and personal well-being.

Concluding the workshop, Mr. Jain encouraged students to continue using art as a lifelong means of self-expression and emotional wellness. Our school Principal, Fr Anthony Fonseca, SDB praised the initiative as an important step towards nurturing creativity alongside academic excellence.

The Art Therapy Programme concluded with the children exhibiting and showcasing the students' work, celebrating not only artistic achievement but also the transformative power of creativity in fostering confidence, resilience, and holistic development.