IAS officer beats virus with a creative response
VARANASI : Contracting corona and staying in home isolation is a trying time for many but IAS officer Sunil Verma, who tested positive and was in home quarantine from September 3 to 15, defeated the virus with a creative response. He used this period to make beautiful paintings of the iconic ghats of Varanasi.
Verma, presently posted as additional food commissioner, UP, said he development a bond with the ghats during his posting in Varanasi as chief development officer in 2018. He often clicked pictures of Siberian birds swimming in the Ganga and flying over it. Even after being transferred, he maintained his tryst with the ghats and the ancient city. “I tested positive for Covid-19 on September 3. It was no less than a shock for a while.
Soon after getting the test report, I followed Covid-19 protocol and quarantined myself at home,” Verma said.
“In isolation, it was tough to pass time because I had nothing to do. Then the idea to paint struck me. The subject was already there in my mind. Without delay, I started painting the beautiful ghats. Within 10 days, a painting showing three ghats, including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Darbhanga Ghat and Munshi Ghat was ready,” he said.
Verma, who tested negative for Covid-19 on September 14, said he had a passion for painting since college days. But he couldn’t spare time. He utilized home quarantine period for painting that kept him busy and revived his passion once again.. He also made a painting of Rumi Gate in Lucknow and scenic location of Sonbhadra.
Verma never took painting lessons. He had a natural talent, he said. At present, his painting is exhibited in Janhavi Art Gallery in Varanasi. The exhibition started on November 25. Swami Kripa Karan Nand Maharaj Ji of Ram Krishna Mission Home of Service, Luxa inaugurated the exhibition.