sadhna dhand

Sadhna Dhand

Sadhna, who is born with osteogenesis imperfecta, which makes bones fragile and susceptible to frequent fractures, managed to overcome her physical limitations to pursue art. Though she stands at 3.3 feet and has lost her hearing at the age of 12, her spirit is indomitable. Her condition has resulted in close to 80 fractures so far and a hearing disability, making movements outside her home restrictive. She was encouraged at an early age to pursue art by her mother, Late Rajkumari Dhand, as a way of avoiding inferiority from creeping in.

Despite her limited mobility, she is an expert in different kinds of arts and paintings and has received several awards at state level.In 1998, she received an award for best art of the year for experimenting with pictures of Lord Ganesha in All India Fine Art exhibition.

She was awarded for excellent photography by Photographic Society of Chhattisgarh in 1999 and with 'Stri Shakti Samman' in 2005. The state Chamber of Commerce and Industries felicitated Sadhna with 'Mahila Shakti Samman' in 2011 for her achievements in the field of art.

She also likes to impart her art to others and runs art classes at her residence. During the past 30 years, she has trained over 12,000 students in various art forms.

Sadhna's father S P Dhand, who is in Raipur, said, "I am very proud of my daughter. Despite all odds, she has brought fame and accolades to her family. She is very hard working and intelligent."

Sadhna's exhibitions showcase the works of a woman who has transcended pain and suffering to come up with beautiful creations. She has organised exhibitions in Raipur, Bhilai, Bhopal, Jaipur, Nagpur, Pune and New Delhi.

An artist with extraordinary calibre, Sadhna, is a member of various art societies including Shilp Varsha Art and Research Society. She is equally involved in charity work and gives donations to various organisations working for mentally and physically challenged children.

Sadhna Dhand, suffering from brittle bone disease did not come in the way of pursuing her favourite art form of painting, for which she has won a national award. The 55-year-old Sadhna, a specially-abled artist from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, has been chosen for 'National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2012' under role model category (female).