Story of and by – Sheril Gupta
Life is a big canvas;
throw all the colour
and make beautiful life”
Hi, This is Sheril Gupta from Pink City, Jaipur(Rajasthan).
I am a painter , an artist , a wheelchair model, student of life and a go-getter.
I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3. I was 2 years old when my parents came to know about my disease. SMA is a Rare Genetic Disorder which affects our muscles. It is a degenerative disorder which drains our strength day by day. Physical strength gets effected and muscle strength is lost , but one should not let this effect the mental strength. Despite having this problem, my parents have always continued to support me in every step of my life. There have been times when I have felt very down , but my parents have always helped me in seeing only the positive things around me .They always tell me to harbour a positive and an optimistic way of looking at things. So I feel that ‘disability’ can never stop us from pursuing our dreams. Dreams are equalizers – they give enough space to everyone. Don’t just Dream – pursue them to make them happen.
I have had a good support from my family and friends. And I believe that because I was a lively and fun loving person , it has been easy for me to have made so many good friends.
My interest in Arts and Painting made me a very happy and colourful person. I am very keen on dressing well and always like to be happy and smiling. The artist in me has helped me in making life one big canvas , for me to throw all colours and come up with a beautiful art every time I wish.
Right now, I am doing Post Graduation from Rajasthan University, Jaipur and am also preparing for NTA NET/JRF Exam (Visual Art). I’m planning an Art exhibition at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur. I want to hold my Art Exhibition in all the prominent Exhibition Centres in India. My bigger dream is to do the same in Art Centres in Paris, London and Italy. My inspiration is Pablo Picasso, the famed and accomplished Artist. One day people will know me as “Kalam Kanya”. I aspire to become an established artist.
Since my childhood, I had dreamt of becoming Miss World. I wanted to learn the art of dancing and also get in modelling. But due to SMA, I couldn’t pursue these interests.
But that does not mean I have given up on these dreams. Still my hopes are afloat and still fresh. Now, I at least want to win the Miss Wheelchair World Crown.
I can rate myself as a good performer , as I’m persistently working towards my goals. Like the Great Irish Playwright Geroge Bernard Shaw said “Life isn’t about finding yourself, Life is about creating yourself” so everyday I’m trying to learn and grow to make my life more meaningful.
Presently, SMA treatment is not available in India (but available in USA). The medicines recommended for SMA treatment are #SPINRAZA #ZOLGENSMA #RISDIPALM. We the persons with SMA , and different groups connected with SMA Patient Advocacy have been making regular representation to the Govt and to the Authorities to bring this medicine into India. Since this medicine is very very expensive and not affordable by many, the Government would need to help the persons with SMA by providing these medicines for free or a highly subsidised price .
We are anxiously waiting for these life-saving drugs.
When I start with a plain canvas – there is a total blank , but with each colour I choose and with each stroke I make – I keep working towards a colourful piece of art which I dream of . And with each colourful stroke – I keep saying “ It’s Possible “
