Mumbai : In a unique initiative, Samabhavana Society and Studio3 have come together to host ‘Art For Dignity’, an art exhibition that will aim to increase awareness against male child exploitation in the country. To take it a step further, Samabhavana Society will set up a vocational centre for victims of male child exploitation & micro finance programs for women who are victims of domestic violence and marital rape with the funds generated from the exhibition. The exhibition will be hosted at Hirjee Art Gallery in Jehangir Art Gallery from February 10th to 15th, 2011 from 11 am to 7 pm. Bollywood actress Gul Panag will be present at the exhibition on February 10, 2011 at 6 pm to pledge her support to the cause.

Speaking about ‘Art For Dignity’, Jasmir Thakur, Secretary & Executive Officer, Samabhavana Society, said, “Samabhavana Society is an NGO that works towards mental and social wellness of individuals, irrespective of their gender, age and sexuality. With rising incidents of male exploitation, we felt it was imperative to sensitise society towards this cause, and help rehabilitate victims of this heinous crime. Through this exhibition we hope to meet these core objectives.”

A large part of the funds generated through the exhibition will go towards setting up a soft skills & vocational training centre for victims of male exploitation in Mumbai and Mathura. The courses will include 4 wheeler automobile mechanic training, AC mechanic training, mobile repairing, electrician and plumber training, and these courses will be certified by the Maharashtra Technical Board.

The exhibition will have a total of 40 works by prominent Indian artists including Ajay De, Akbar Padamsee, Badri Narayan, Jogen Choudhury, Milburn Cherian, Seema Kohli, Suhas Roy and T Vaikuntam amongst others. The exhibition has been curated by Studio3 and all the works can be viewed on www.studio3india.com & www.artfordignity.org

“We have ensured that a host of renowned Indian artists have lent their support to the ‘Art of Dignity’ exhibition. With our vast experience spanning almost a decade, we have established a nurturing relationship with artists and collectors alike and we are confident of helping realise the dream of Samabhavana Society from this exhibition” said Vinita Mirchandani, Owner, Studio3.

Samabhavana Society is involved in several projects to improve society in Maharashtra and is well equipped in the areas of project planning and management. The ‘Art of Dignity’ initiative is a start to a long standing battle against male exploitation, and Samabhavana Society is appealing to people to join in their crusade.