While presenting Kerala’s budget allocation for the financial year 2020-21, Thomas Isaac, the state’s finance minister mentioned a painting titled ‘My Mother and Mothers in the Neighbourhood’ while speaking about the allocation for women empowerment. The painting has been done by a class 9 student, Anujatha from Thrissur and it was selected as the cover page of the Gender Budget document of the Government of Kerala.
The schoolboy was unaware that the finance minister had selected his painting. He was conveyed the news by his father Vinaylal, who told The New Indian Express, “What I am most proud of is its theme. He drew that painting when he was 10, yet it conveys a great message. We used to tell him about the efforts taken by his mum and all mothers around him in nurturing their children.”
Painting by Anujath Sindhu Vinayal, a 9th standard school boy from Thrissur, Kerala, depicting the unpaid work of women. He has titled it ‘My Mother and other mothers in the neighborhood’. This is the cover page of the Gender Budget document of the Govt Of Kerala for the year. pic.twitter.com/B3fshkSSVN
— Anupama A S (@Anupama_Appu) February 9, 2020
The boy was inspired by his mother to start painting. However, she passed away due to ill-health in November last year. Anujatha hopes to pursue his passion professionally after he completes his studies.