Thirteen year old Pune artist Dhriti Pranay Ranka, a student of Bishop’s School, Kalyani Nagar, has been awarded the Divyang Bal Balika Award on the occasion of National Disability Day, marking a significant moment for inclusive art practices in the city.
Dhriti, who has Down syndrome, received the award for her expressive artwork and her role in promoting awareness and inclusion through creativity. The ceremony, held on December 3, saw her walking up to the dais waving cheerfully, drawing smiles from the audience. She was also given a special mention by the President during the address.
“I was happy and excited,” Dhriti said, describing how she felt while receiving the award.
Dhriti began drawing as a very young child, even before she could speak. Her inspiration came from her parents, both architects, who introduced her to creative spaces early on. Over time, art became her primary form of expression.
“My process is mainly with music,” Dhriti explained. “It’s about feelings I cannot show in words.”
One of her most personal artworks emerged during a difficult phase when her best friend moved away. “I couldn’t talk back then. My mother told me she was moving, and that feeling came out in my art,” she said.
Dhriti is the founding artist of Tickle Your Art, an inclusive art initiative that began when she was just eight years old. The platform takes its name from her pet name, ‘Tickle’.
Her mother, Shweta Runwal, an architect and co-founder of the initiative, said the idea evolved organically. “We started with a simple exhibition seven years ago at the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum for Down Syndrome Awareness Day. It wasn’t registered or planned. We just wanted people to interact with the children and their work,” she said.
The response surprised them. Visitors not only engaged with the artists but also bought their artwork, boosting confidence among the children. “We realised that art could be a powerful medium for awareness and self expression,” Runwal added.
From a single exhibition, Tickle Your Art has grown into a structured platform working with 25 plus artists, onboarding at least two new artists every year, and creating products and exhibitions centred on inclusive design.
Runwal, who has been volunteering with the Down Syndrome Federation of India, highlighted the lack of awareness when Dhriti was born. “We were told we didn’t know if she would walk or talk. It was only later that we found community support, and that made all the difference,” she said.
Dhriti also underwent a heart surgery at four months old and now lives with a pacemaker. Her extended family, including her grandparents and uncle, played a crucial role in supporting her journey.
The national award followed a formal selection process. “We filled a form, the committee came to see Dhriti’s art, met her at one of the exhibitions, reviewed videos, and then made their decision,” Runwal said.
Despite her success as an artist, Dhriti has her sights set on a different dream. “I want to be a gymnast,” she said, smiling.
Meanwhile, Tickle Your Art is preparing to open an art café and community centre in Kalyani Nagar in February, close to the metro line. The space aims to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities, along with workshops and open design and art sessions for the wider community.
Runwal’s younger daughter Ira, is also deeply involved in the initiative. The trio recently appeared on Shark Tank India, where they secured funding from two investors. “They’re budding little entrepreneurs,” Runwal said.
Dhriti hopes people understand one simple message better. “Everyone is special in their own way,” she said. “They can do whatever they want.”