Illustrations for my latest children’s book story by Arvind Gupta ji is now available on Pratham Books store. http://store.prathambooks.org/p_9789386346353
The story is also in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil & Telegu on Pratham Books’ StoryWeaver site 
I deeply admire those who work for sustainable fashion & have always thought how I could contribute to this cause. That’s when “Sassy & The Green Bug” happened ❤ A fashion book for children produced by Connected Threads Asia, authored by Sheilagdickson & illustrated by me 🙂 Be a part of it! Would love to hear your thoughts.
That’s what Shumon Sengupta tells his daughter, Minnie. I was so touched when Shumon shared his blog with me where, out of myriad other ideas, he writes about Minnie who inspires beauty in his life. Shumon is an international aid & #development professional. He has lived in many parts of the world & calls himself a “World Citizen”. But his most cherished moments are spent with the delightful Minnie in whose starry eyes he sees a hope for the future. Here’s a link to his blog http://www.world-citizen-trail.net/world-citizens/
It isn’t easy to fulfil your dreams when there are prejudices against you. But Zahra Lari was lucky. Her father recognised her talent & fought the odds. Zahra is an ice-skater from UAE. She is aiming for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, where she may make history not only as the first Emirati athlete to compete at a Winter Olympics but also as the first ice-skater in a hijab. #myfather #voicestobeheard
[source: http://m.thenational.ae/world/americas/hijab-is-a-good-fit-for-the-olympic-games]
Join us at facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations/
Monica Singh is an acid attack survivor from India. She was 19 when she faced this earth shattering experience. However neither she or her father lost hope. They kept walking until the end of the tunnel & finally the darkness was over. She is now a fashion design student at the prestigious Parsons School of Fashion in New York. She has proven that inner beauty is far more powerful than physical beauty. Her pillar of strength, her confidant, was her father, Mahendra Singh. Monica has established The Mahendra Singh Foundation to help other survivors. #myfather #voicestobeheard Join us to hear & share more inspiring father-daughter stories!
In a world full of differences & difficulties there’s one thing common in all of us — LOVE. We’re born with it. We live for it. And even after we depart, it stays with our loved ones forever. On this upcoming Father’s Day here’s a love story that will make you smile & believe in love. Share it with your father & say you love him because he loves you too! Happy Father’s Day!!!
#weallneedlove #myfather #illustrations #fathersday #love #special #video#happyfathersday
Little Dipa wanted to give up #gymnastics because she was scared of falling down. However her father convinced her to continue. Today, at 22, #DipaKarmakar is the first #female #Indian #gymnast ever to secure an Olympic berth. Her father, Dulal gives full credit to Dipa’s hardwork. But she knows, without her father this journey couldn’t be possible. #myfather #illustrations #inspiring #change [source: http://bit.ly/toidipakarmakar]
I am so happy to be featured as part of Papercup’s Phenomenal Women series. You can read the full story here. Papercup is a start-up for creative entrepreneurs. They make and sale happy things. Check them out at papercuponline.in
A friend of mine shared the story of Beijing-based photographer, Stefen Chow, who went on a mini adventure with his 2-year old daughter. Stefen’s travelogue & some of the outstanding photographs he took over the course of his journey inspired me to create today’s #myfather #illustration. Tell us how you wanna show your world to your little girl. Share your story at My Father illustrations [source:http://bit.ly/stefenchowstory]
Peter Willimott and Tia are not just father and daughter, they’re the best buddies!!! Story from Australia’s “Bush Capital”, Canberra. Share a smile, spread some happiness 🙂
Today’s My Father illustration is inspired by the story of Emily (daughter) & Bob Hunter (father). Emily is an environmental activist, filmmaker, speaker & author, also known as the ‘eco-huntress’ for the work she has done with#Greenpeace & Sea Shepherd, inspiring millions to take responsibility for creating a more #sustainable #world.
“My first hero is my Dad…always a strong central force in my life. He reminds me that anyone can be a visionary, not just people at the top. He was about having ideas and spirit and going for it. He made me see I could change the world. He was someone everyone could relate to, so down to earth… a genuine human being trying to save something so big”. Interestingly her father, Bob Hunter, one of Greenpeace founders, never pushed her to follow his direction, but rather to follow her dreams. It was during one of her trips abroad, at the age of 19, that she realized there were too many things not going right in the world and finally decided to become an environmentalist. She learnt from her parents that if she demands for change then she has to take part in the change-making process. At this important juncture in her life, she got informed that her father had terminal cancer. She went back home to Canada to spend as much time possible with him. “My Dad was amazed to hear what I had seen in such a short time and was happy that I had come to my own conclusion about becoming an environmentalist”. What has probably influenced Emily the most is her father’s belief that even one person could help change the world. She says, “He wanted to share ideas and empower people to become their own inspirations”.
[Thanks to Maria Elena De Matteo for volunteering with “My Father illustrations“ in writing this story. Follow her work @https://instagram.com/melenadem/ & @melenadem on Twitter]
Story sourced from: http://myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=Emily_Hunter_2010; http://www.ecorazzi.com/]
“I am Gasthini from Sri Lanka. We are originally from Jaffna, an area which got affected by the war. My family had to move to Kandy. I have seen many twists & turns in life but one person who was always there with me for every rise & fall is my father. Without him I would not have had the courage to come this far – get my engineering degree and marry the love of my life. Love you Dad for who you are!”
“I am AMBA from Jharkhand. I was in love with Salva. Wanted to marry him. But at the age of 16, our next-door uncle, Bhiswa, brought me and my two younger sisters to this far-flung city. Now I work as domestic help to support my family.”
AMBA is the one of the illustration from my Epic Women series. In this illustrated series I have developed stories of some of the leading women characters from Indian epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata by presenting them in a modern context. My attempt is to draw a modern Indian woman using the skeletal outlines of the traditional female character. By drawing parallels between the old and the new, I want to create a crosscurrent of narrative that highlights the ageless social crises faced by the women in India.
I start this year with an illustration inspired by the story of Natalia, a social scientist & a multi-talented artist from Ukraine. Natalia’s poetry, songs and dance have a great influence from her father, Federovna. She calls him ‘Papa’ and wants to be called as “Papa’s girl”. My illustration is about the dreams and realities that this father-daughter duo lives together. Happy New Year!!!
A proud moment for us. Today’s Times of India writes about My Father illustrations. Thanks to the continuous support & encouragement from all of you, those who make this journey happier and better. http://bit.ly/toidebasmita
Reshma (name withheld) was in her teens when she was trafficked from a village in West Bengal and sold in a brothel in Mumbai. Her father, Rezwan Kazi (name withheld) tried all his means to find her out and bring her back. Most of the time families don’t want to take back the survivors because of societal taboos. So when the Kolkata-based organization, Sanjog, approached me and shared this story, I was touched. Sanjog told me that Rezwan is also fighting the case for Reshma and he always says, “Reshma had a beautiful smile and I will stand by her until I see her smiling again”. #myfather #illustrations #stopchildtrafficking #change #rights
[Story source: http://www.sanjogindia.org/]
I still remember the day I first went to school, the day I learnt how to write my name, the morning I first joined the Magic Bus sports group in our community. I treasure those moments because I know my life could have been different if you were not my father. Thank you Abba for your love, support and belief in me. I will never let you down. ~ Sabah (daughter) and Akbar Akhtar (father) share a beautiful bond of love and respect. #doodlewithdad #myfather #illustrationswith Magic Bus
Vrinda is the daughter of Shekhar Javarikar, a farmer from Maharashtra. Shekhar has seen many hardships in life. But one thing that Vrinda learnt by heart seeing her father is that no success comes without hard work. She can see her father working day & night on the field, taking care of the seeds that grow into crops. Like her father she has learnt not to give up until she finds the light in darkness.#doodlewithdad by My Father illustrations with Magic Bus
“I come from a lower middle income family in Mumbai. The neighbourhood where I live is not completely safe for girls. I would have lived a contained life if my father wasn’t there to support me. He inspires me to think freely, be confident and live my dreams” ~ says, Shahnaz Khan (daughter). Her father is Iliyas Khan. A big thanks to Magic Bus which is making a difference through sports in the lives of Shahnaz & her friends. #doodlewithdad by My Father illustrations
Click here to read the full story behind “My Father illustrations” by Snigdha Sinha at www.social.yourstory.com
“One day, my father will see me on stage playing my guitar. This would’ve remained as a distant dream if Papa hadn’t bought home a guitar for me. He’s my best friend and I’m grateful for all his support,” says Archana during #doodlewithdad drive at Vikroli with Magic Bus. Sitting next to her, with eyes full of enthusiasm, Archana’s father Suresh Surosh adds, “Living in an under-developed neighbourhood has its own challenges. But I really want to give my daughter as many opportunities as I can to let her explore and express at best.”
[Thanks to Maria Elena De Matteo for volunteering with #myfather #illustrations in writing this story. Follow her work at https://instagram.com/melenadem/ and @melenadem on Twitter]
Join us at facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations
Ideas can knock on your door anytime. It can be at broad daylight or when the stars are shining in the skyline. You just have to be ready to receive them with a warm hug. Offer them some refreshments, talk to them and most importantly hear what they tell you. May be they will say something that you always wanted to hear or you will hear something for the first time. Doesn’t matter whether it is old or new, just take a deep breath, hold their hands and walk. You will find a way…
” I am not literate but I want you to get educated because only knowledge can give you the right direction in life” – Ishwar Pawar says this to Disha, his 15-year old daughter. Disha wants to be a collector when she grows up.#doodlewithdad at Dahisar, Mumbai with #myfatherillustrations & Leher
“On the crossroads of life when you are confused, look for help. That doesn’t make you small” ~ says Bheema Pasula to his 13-year-old daughter, Lakshmi at #doodlewithdad in Dahisar organised by#myfatherillustrations & Leher
Md. Harun Sheikh (father) & Sahara Md. Sheikh (daughter) participated at the #doodlewithdad drive in Dahisar, Mumbai this August. The drive was organised by #myfatherillustrations in partnership with Leher.
Today #myfatherillustrations introduces a new chapter called “Doodle with Dad” (DWD). Through this we reach out to communities to host story camps where fathers & daughters share their stories and doodle together. Take a first look from our very 1st DWD drive in Mumbai! Thank You Magic Bus for partnering with us!!! Stay tuned for more updates:)
One of Russia’s famous ballet dancers, Ilse Liepa, was not only inspired by her father’s life story to become a ballerina but also to write a book about him. #myfatherillustrations
My first attempt to draw a Sketchbook Story. I named it “Chini & the Comb”.
Sofia Castro was the first indigenous woman who won the position of municipal president in an election by a male-only electorate in San Carlos Yautepec (Mexico). This position represents the highest authority in her indigenous communities. Sofia’s father was a political figure and this inspired her to study law and eventually pursue a career in politics.
It took me a while to publish this post because I was not sure where to start. In April 2013 when I started “mY FaTHer illustrations” Facebook page I was not thinking to earn any profit or fame. There was no marketing strategy or logical framework behind the idea that was born in my head cross-pollinating my love for art and enthusiasm for social work. The idea just took off holding on to my innocent belief that something good will happen. And today I can confidently say, “it did”. True that I still do not earn any monetary incentives from the project but riding on its wheels I have reached the hearts of many, those who support my project and encourage me to do better. Whether by writing about my project, helping me reach out to communities or by sharing father-daughter stories they know – the supporters of “mY FaTHer illustrations” stand by the fathers who fearlessly fought for the rights of their daughters. Thank You All!
And Thank You Brittany Hodak for this wonderful write-up on Huff Post. I have always believed that art can connect people and my connection with you is a real example of that. You have a wonderful father who has made you an amazing person. I’m glad we met 🙂
On International #FathersDay, just like Anushka and Aditi, say to your Dad how awesome he is and this journey of life wouldn’t have been so stunning without him. Happy Father’s Day to all you amazing fathers who inspire the little ones to be good and do better [Today’s #myfatherillustration is based on the story of Anushka, Aditi and their father Navaneeth] Join us at myfatherIllustrations
My father says that life gives you two options – the sky or the box. YOU choose the one you want. Which one do you choose? #myfather#illustrations
Today’s #myfather #illustration is inspired by the story of Aruna Roy, Indian political & social activist, who received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in the year 2000. Her father was one of the big inspirations in her life. His words define the meaning of her life.
“Fight harder against injustice”…that’s the title of today’s #myfather#illustration. Inspired by Brad Meltzer’s ‘Heroes for my Daughter’. Brad is an American political thriller novelist, non-fiction writer, TV show creator and comic book author.
My Father always says: “Never be afraid to Face Your Fears”.
“I am a Dream.
I sleep beside you.
I close my eyes,
Hold you in my arms.
I open my eyes
To come True”…
Live Your Dream!!!
Daughters can inspire fathers too. Like in the case of Emilie and her father, Kevin Teichroeb. Kevin is so proud to see his daughter tirelessly working to save the lives of kids from an orphanage in #Nepal that has been devastated by the Himalayan quake. He is raising funds to support the mission of his daughter.#PrayforNepal #myfather #illustration
debasmita's 